Skip to main content

Growing use of AI reveals the need for global sustainability initiatives.

By Osaka Metropolitan University

Similar to other sectors around the world, the light speed development of artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way into healthcare, particularly the radiology field. As such, AI-based diagnostic systems are flourishing, with hospitals quickly adopting the technology to assist radiologists. In contrast, there are concerns about the environmental impact of increasingly complex AI models and the need for more sustainable AI solutions.

USE THIS MYS 0783 OMU
As AI expands into healthcare, Professor Ueda and fellow researchers discussed the environmental impact. Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University

Therefore, Associate Professor Daiju Ueda of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine, a member of the Japan Radiological Society, led a research team in the investigation of the environmental costs of AI. In this research review, head members of the Japan Radiological Society and medical field researchers discussed the energy consumption of AI systems in the medical field, carbon emissions of data centers, and electronic waste issues.

Specific solutions to mitigate these environmental impacts were discussed, including the development of energy-efficient AI models, the implementation of green computing, and the use of renewable energy.

In addition, the review proposes measures for the sustainable deployment of AI in the medical field. These are important guidelines for medical institutions, policymakers, and AI developers to operate AI systems in an environmentally responsible manner.

“AI has the potential to improve the quality of healthcare, but at the same time its environmental impact cannot be ignored. The best practices we have recommended are the first steps toward balancing these two factors,” stated Professor Ueda. “The challenge for the future will be to verify and further elaborate these recommendations in actual medical practice. They are also expected to contribute to the standardization of methods for assessing AI’s environmental impact and the development of an international regulatory framework.”

The results were published in Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging.

***

Established in Osaka as one of the largest public universities in Japan, Osaka Metropolitan University is committed to shaping the future of society through “Convergence of Knowledge” and the promotion of world-class research. For more research news, visit https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/.

Journal Reference:
Daiju Ueda, Shannon L Walston, Shohei Fujita, Yasutaka Fushimi, Takahiro Tsuboyama, Koji Kamagata, Akira Yamada, Masahiro Yanagawa, Rintaro Ito, Noriyuki Fujima, Mariko Kawamura, Takeshi Nakaura, Yusuke Matsui, Fuminari Tatsugami, Tomoyuki Fujioka, Taiki Nozaki, Kenji Hirata, Shinji Naganawa, ‘Climate change and artificial intelligence in healthcare: Review and recommendations towards a sustainable future’, Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.diii.2024.06.002

Article Source:
Press Release/Material by Osaka Metropolitan University
Featured image credit: fabrikasimf | Freepik

Satellite Image:: Floods, UK (s. climate change effects)
Image of the day: Storm Bert hits the UKNews

Image of the day: Storm Bert hits the UK

Parts of the United Kingdom have been affected by severe floods after Storm Bert made landfall on 22 November 2024, bringing over 100mm of rain…
SourceSourceNovember 26, 2024 Full article
Image: Wind Farm (s. Denmark, wind farms)
Denmark earmarks $8.3 bn in aid for offshore wind farmsNews

Denmark earmarks $8.3 bn in aid for offshore wind farms

Copenhagen, Denmark | AFP Seeking to boost flagging investment in offshore wind power, Denmark's government on Monday announced aid of up to 55.2 billion kroner…
SourceSourceMay 19, 2025 Full article
Image: Talèfre Glacier, France
Image of the day: Talèfre Glacier retreat in FranceNews

Image of the day: Talèfre Glacier retreat in France

The Talèfre Glacier, nestled in the French Alps, has long been a striking feature of the Mont Blanc region. But over the past decades, it…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskApril 16, 2025 Full article