Harnessing AI for a greener future
3 min read
The government’s ambition to make the UK a global AI leader depends on innovation that drives productivity and public trust. Allison Gardner, Chair of the Artificial Intelligence APPG, argues that only ethical, inclusive and sustainable AI can deliver lasting economic growth
As AI development accelerates, we find ourselves at a defining moment. With a legacy of scientific excellence and a vibrant tech ecosystem, the UK is uniquely positioned to lead in the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. To do so, we must ask not just how we harness AI to grow our economy, but how we do so sustainably, responsibly, and in ways that spark innovation across every sector of society.
AI is already reshaping industries, from healthcare and finance to agriculture and logistics, by boosting productivity, cutting costs and enabling new business models. In manufacturing, it can reduce downtime through predictive maintenance; in energy, it can optimise grids and support renewables; in transport, it powers smarter, greener networks. These advances lay the groundwork for a resilient, low-carbon economy.
AI can also drive regional growth by attracting investment, sparking innovation and creating high-value jobs, especially when aligned with local strengths. Stoke-on-Trent, with its deep ceramic heritage, is excelling in the field of advanced ceramics: durable, high-performance materials supporting aerospace, electronics, energy and defence. Their longevity an efficiency make them key sustainable technologies.
“The nations that lead in ethical, sustainable AI will lead AI itself, and the UK has a chance to set the standard”
Used in applications like thermal insulation and fuel cells, advanced ceramics support clean energy solutions. When combined with artificial intelligence, their potential expands even further: AI-driven design and manufacturing processes can optimise material properties, reduce waste and accelerate innovation in smart energy systems and high-tech engineering.
Thus, we can see the immense opportunity that sustainable deployment of AI holds, but for AI to truly fuel sustainable economic growth, its deployment must be deliberate across all sectors. We must embed sustainability as a core criterion in AI investment decisions, not an afterthought. AI solutions should aim to assist with the reduction of carbon emissions, improve circularity and align with net-zero commitments.
For AI to reach its full potential, it must also be trusted. The public’s confidence in AI hinges on whether it is used responsibly, transparently and with clear accountability.
As Chair of the Artificial Intelligence APPG, it is essential to me that ethical frameworks and good governance are stringently operationalised. The use of AI in public services, welfare, policing and education must be carefully governed, with developers held to high standards of fairness, privacy and safety.
Therefore, sustainable AI growth is impossible without a deep investment in people. That means investing in a broad base of AI-literate workers – from NHS clinicians who can safely use diagnostic tools, to farmers using precision agriculture, to civil servants managing digital infrastructure. Lifelong learning and reskilling must be scaled equitably.
At the same time, inclusion must be a priority. AI must not entrench existing biases or inequalities in employment or access to services. The UK should lead in championing inclusive design, diverse datasets and anti-bias measures.
The nations that lead in ethical, sustainable AI will lead AI itself, and the UK has a chance to set the standard. Through investment in research and development, incentivisation of sustainable innovation, secure governance and expansion of upskilling, we can make AI not just a growth engine, but a force for a fairer, greener future.
Dr Allison Gardner is Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South
