Sustainability in urban AI

The chapter explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the development of sustainable cities, addressing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability. As urbanisation accelerates globally, cities face increasing challenges in areas such as mobility, housing, pollution and resource management. AI holds promise for optimising urban infrastructure, reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency; however, its deployment also raises concerns about social equity, environmental impact and economic disruption. Sustainable AI is proposed as a framework for aligning AI’s development and application with sustainability goals, ensuring it operates within ecological limits, promotes inclusivity, and supports equitable and circular economic growth. Key areas of focus include minimising AI’s carbon footprint through energy-efficient practices, embedding fairness in AI-driven urban systems and ensuring transparent governance. The paper provides policy recommendations to guide AI deployment in urban settings, emphasising international collaboration, ethical governance and economic policies to foster resilience and inclusivity in the cities of tomorrow.