The paper analyses the environmental sustainability of quantum computing, and quantum AI in particular. This analysis addresses a critical gap in both the literature and policy discussion. Particularly, policy documents on quantum technologies and quantum computing poorly consider the sustainability requirement. When they do so, the focus is mainly on how quantum innovation can help us create more sustainable solutions and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals more easily. Rarely, do they scrutinise the intrinsic sustainability of quantum computing and quantum AI systems. The paper proposes a way to fill this gap by comparing the sustainability challenges of quantum computing with those of AI systems: building on this comparison, this work offers a preliminary framework for assessing the environmental sustainability of quantum computing systems.
The paper analyses the environmental sustainability of quantum computing, and quantum AI in particular. This analysis addresses a critical gap in both the literature and policy discussion. Particularly, policy documents on quantum technologies and quantum computing poorly consider the sustainability requirement. When they do so, the focus is mainly on how quantum innovation can help us create more sustainable solutions and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals more easily. Rarely, do they scrutinise the intrinsic sustainability of quantum computing and quantum AI systems. The paper proposes a way to fill this gap by comparing the sustainability challenges of quantum computing with those of AI systems: building on this comparison, this work offers a preliminary framework for assessing the environmental sustainability of quantum computing systems.
The rapid advancements in quantum computing hold transformative potential for addressing critical global challenges and achieving sustainable development. This paper presents a conceptual framework that aligns quantum computing innovations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explores key areas such as renewable energy optimization, smart city infrastructure, and climate change mitigation. The study also emphasizes sustainability challenges, including environmental impacts, ethical concerns, and socio-economic considerations like workforce transitions and digital equity. A novel Carbon-aware Quantum Computing model is introduced to minimize the environmental footprint of quantum systems. Finally, the paper proposes a roadmap for ethical and scalable adoption of quantum technologies, ensuring inclusive and resilient societal growth.
The convergence of Quantum Computing (QC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ushers in a transformative era of computational capability, with profound implications for science and industry alongside significant technical, ethical, and environmental challenges. This article explores quantum-enhanced AI (QAI), focusing on foundational quantum principles—superposition, entanglement, and quantum parallelism—and their applications in molecular simulation, financial optimization, and climate modeling. While quantum algorithms offer exponential speedups for Machine Learning (ML) and optimization, persistent barriers such as qubit decoherence, scalability limitations, and high energy demands hinder progress. Hybrid quantum-classical architectures are identified as critical transitional tools, combining quantum processors for specialized tasks like combinatorial optimization with classical systems for error correction and data preprocessing. Near-term commercial healthcare, finance, and logistics applications are highlighted, including pilot projects using quantum neural networks (QNNs) for drug discovery, portfolio risk analysis, and supply chain optimization. However, dual-use risks—such as quantum-powered surveillance and threats to classical encryption—emphasize the need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and ethical frameworks. Environmental concerns, particularly the carbon footprint of superconducting qubits, drive calls for sustainable innovations like photonic qubit designs and renewable-powered quantum data centers. Anticipated milestones include fault-tolerant QNNs, standardized benchmarks for quantum advantage, and democratized cloud access. Achieving these goals requires addressing interdisciplinary talent shortages, algorithmic biases, and global disparities in quantum infrastructure. This work advocates for governance models integrating sustainability metrics and equity-focused policies to steer QAI development responsibly. By harmonizing technical innovation with ethical foresight, the quantum-AI synergy can advance solutions to global challenges while mitigating misuse and ecological harm risks.
As quantum computing progresses from theory to practical systems, its environmental and economic sustainability remains underexplored.This paper analyzes both the carbon footprint and cost implications of quantum computing technologies, with attention to their alignment with global sustainability goals.Key contributors to energy consumption, emissions, and operational costs are identified across the quantum computing lifecycle: hardware manufacturing, cryogenic cooling, runtime power demands, and quantum circuit simulation.The study employs a qualitative methodology, integrating a comprehensive review of scientific literature, environmental assessments, cost analysis reports, and benchmarking frameworks.It further presents a comparative analysis of quantum and classical high-performance computing (HPC), evaluating energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness across realistic scenarios.By addressing both sustainability and economic dimensions, this research provides new insights for developers and policymakers, supporting the advancement of greener and more costeffective quantum technologies.
Since computers were invented, the technology of computers has advanced every year. Recently, quantum computing and artificial intelligence have played an important role in computer technology, which has provided an effective platform to address challenges such as climate change and carbon emissions. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate how the integration of quantum computing and artificial intelligence can transform climate science, with an emphasis on predicting and managing carbon emissions. In this paper, we started with introduction about climate change and technology in combating environmental problems. Then, we moved on to an introduction to quantum computing and its basics. During our research, the benefits of quantum computing over classical systems have been identified with specific reference to climate modeling and handling large data sets. We explained the role of artificial intelligence in climate science with existing AI methods in climate modeling and the gaps that they have. We evaluated the combination of quantum computing and AI to reveal the possibility of future advancements in processing time, prediction, and efficiency. We brought up some AI concerns about its policy-making capacity and carbon altering the conventional approaches to decision-making to foster sustainability. Moreover, our work is supported by real-life examples and cases of how quantum AI is superior to traditional models in estimating carbon emissions. Finally, we specified some future directions for quantum AI, including technological developments, ethical issues, and sustainability, as well as suggestions for researchers and policymakers on how to use quantum AI for solving environmental problems.
Quantum computing offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize equitable green innovation by addressing complex sustainability challenges with enhanced computational power. This chapter explores how quantum algorithms can optimize resource management, improve energy efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of green technologies. By leveraging quantum-based predictive models and optimization techniques, industries can achieve sustainable practices while ensuring equity in resource distribution and access. The chapter also delves into the potential of quantum computing to tackle intricate problems in supply chain sustainability, renewable energy integration, and environmental impact analysis. Challenges such as scalability, accessibility, and ethical considerations are addressed, alongside proposed solutions to overcome these barriers. Real-world use cases and emerging research highlight the transformative potential of quantum computing in fostering a sustainable and inclusive future, bridging the gap between innovation and equity.
This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework that integrates the advanced capabilities of quantum computing to address the urgent need for responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. It reviews current challenges in AI, such as bias, lack of inclusivity, and the computational limitations faced by classical computing methods in solving complex societal problems. By harnessing quantum computing, this framework aims to overcome these barriers, enabling faster, more efficient AI solutions that are ethically grounded and universally accessible. By adopting a holistic approach that integrates technical innovation with ethical considerations and stakeholder engagement, we believe that quantum computing can serve as a catalyst for the development of AI technologies that are not only more advanced but also more inclusive, responsible, and beneficial for society as a whole. This concept paper serves as a foundational framework for further research, collaboration, and action in the intersection of quantum computing and AI, with the ultimate goal of harnessing the transformative potential of these technologies to address pressing societal challenges and promote human well-being. Keywords: Quantum Computing, AI, Development, Responsible.