Drones between war and climate

Drones between war and climate

In the midst of successive escalations in the Middle East region, and amid the complexities of the war in which Israel and Iran are at the forefront, artificial intelligence is no longer just a technical tool, but rather has turned into a major actor on the battlefields. In this context, drones, controlled by artificial intelligence algorithms, appear as a tool capable of changing the balance of power, not only in terms of accuracy and speed, but also from a less common angle, which isEnvironmental Footprint.

At a time when these aircraft are viewed as destructive tools of war, pioneering companies such as (Zipline) and (Aerialoop) have begun to transform this weapon into a means that serves humanitarian and environmental goals, such as delivering medicines and reducing emissions. Can this technology really be repurposed from the battlefield to sustainable development paths? Do drones have a role in reducing carbon?Earth Guardswill answer these questions in this article; So keep reading.

Drones save lives

At a time when climate crises are accelerating, Zipline is leading an initiative that highlights the humanitarian and environmental aspects of drones. In a recent study published by the company entitled: “Sustainability of Autonomous Aerial Logistics Services,” it confirmed that its use of drones to deliver emergency medicines reduced carbon emissions by an astonishing 98% compared to traditional cars.
The study shows that this technology is used in Rwanda within an 80 km radius around central medical warehouses. This means that every flight carrying a dose of treatment may be the difference between life and death, and every kilogram of carbon saved is a step towards a more sustainable future.

The importance of the study stems from its deeper message, which confirms that artificial intelligence and drones can be used to strengthen public health systems and achieve climate justice, instead of using them in destructive military campaigns. Thus, drones are not just a technological tool, but rather a link in a system that can be reshaped in favor of sustainable development and achieving its goals such as Goal (3) “Good Health and Well-Being,” and Goal (13) “Climate Action.”

Drones combat crowds

From Latin America to the cities of the United States, Aerialoop is redefining the features of urban transportation, not through roads, but through the sky, as the company uses electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft to deliver packages, and operates its flights within designated air corridors, bypassing traffic jams that drain residents’ time and increase carbon emissions.

Aerialoop presents its future vision by focusing on crowded cities, where environmental and logistical challenges are exacerbated, and its vision is that technology is not only a means of achieving profits or accelerating services, but rather a moral responsibility towards communities and the environment.

In this context, drones are turning into “climate justice” tools, especially in areas that suffer from a lack of infrastructure or the effects of random urban sprawl. By relying on clean energy, these drones offer a green alternative to traditional transportation practices that rely on fossil fuels, and this approach enhances the possibility of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with sustainable transportation and sustainable societies.

Does every drone benefit sustainable development?

Despite the optimism surrounding drones, experts such as Konstantin Samaras and Joshua Stolarov warn against overgeneralization; In a study they published entitled: “Package delivery via drones may be good for the environment,” they point out that it depends on multiple factors such as the type of aircraft, the size of the shipment, the flight range, and the infrastructure required to operate this system.

In some cases, using small drones with clean batteries is more efficient than diesel trucks, but in other cases, especially when shipments are large, relying on drones requires multiple stages of transportation, and the opening of new warehouses that consume additional energy. Which may reduce environmental gains.

Also, the manufacture of batteries – despite being free of emissions during operation – generates large amounts of carbon dioxide during production, and this requires thinking about the entire life cycle of each means of transportation, and not just the moment it is operated; Therefore, it requires a careful study of each system, taking into account the balance between environmental performance and logistical efficiency, in accordance with the goals of sustainable development in a realistic scientific manner.

How do drones serve companies’ climate goals?

As part of its commitment to achieving net-Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2040, Walmart has begun using drones to deliver orders in the final stage of the delivery chain within seven US states. This service specifically targets urgent or late requests, such as last-minute grocery deliveries, which are the most common reason for unplanned car trips, according to 43% of the company’s customers.

Through this approach, Walmart is trying to reduce dependence on traditional transportation, and provide fast and sustainable alternatives that satisfy customers and achieve its environmental goals at the same time. However, what distinguishes this step is not only its environmental dimension, but also its social dimension. This technology provides the opportunity for residents of remote or deprived areas to access fast and reliable services. Which opens the door to equitable distribution of services and reducing gaps between social groups. Thus, drones become a new tool in the hands of private sector companies to support sustainable transformation, if they are properly directed and under legislative supervision that ensures a balance between profits and protecting the planet.

Between military uses and civilian applications, drones remain a double-edged sword. Their value is determined according to the purpose for which they are used, and when these smart tools are directed to saving lives, delivering medicines, and reducing carbon emissions, they turn into a tool to serve humanity and enhance its ability to confront the climate crisis. Therefore,Earth Guards calls for redirecting the use of this technology towards paths that preserve life and support environmental justice, not those that sow fear and destruction.