The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Sustainability of Regional Ecosystems: Current Challenges and Future Prospects

Sergiusz Pimenow, Olena Pimenowa (), Piotr Prus () and Aleksandra Niklas
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Sergiusz Pimenow: Department of Social Sciences and Computer Science of Nowy Sącz High School of Business, National Louis University, Grundwalska 17 Str., 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland
Olena Pimenowa: School of Business, VIZJA University, 01-043 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Prus: Department of Agronomy and Food Processing, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. Prof. S.Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Aleksandra Niklas: Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. Prof. S.Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-42

Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping diverse domains of human activity, including natural resource management, urban and rural planning, agri-food systems, industry, energy, education, and healthcare. However, the impact of AI on the sustainability of local ecosystems remains insufficiently systematized. This highlights the need for a comprehensive review that considers spatial, sectoral, and socio-economic characteristics of regions, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable development. This study presents a scoping review of 198 peer-reviewed publications published between 2010 and March 2025, focusing on applied cases of AI deployment in local contexts. Special attention is given to the role of AI in monitoring water, forest, and agricultural ecosystems, facilitating the digital transformation of businesses and territories, assessing ecosystem services, managing energy systems, and supporting educational and social sustainability. The review includes case studies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, covering a wide range of technologies—from machine learning and digital twins to IoT and large language models. Findings indicate that AI holds significant potential for enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of local systems. Nevertheless, its implementation is accompanied by notable risks, including socio-economic disparities, technological inequality, and institutional limitations. The review concludes by outlining research priorities for the sustainable integration of AI into local ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and scientific support for regional digital transformations.

Keywords: regional ecosystems; artificial intelligence; sustainable development; agricultural sustainability; machine learning; smart cities and villages; climate change adaptation; ecosystem services; environmental monitoring; smart agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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