chatgpt ecology

Let's talk about ecology by testing the ChatGPT AI!

If you follow the news a little bit, you can't have missed it. Chat GPT, this artificial intelligence available since last November, which by searching for its information in a gigantic database, is able to conduct a fluid conversation on almost any subject. Much presented in the press in recent weeks, she has faced questions from Internet users in various and varied fields. But what about ecology?

Introducing ChatGPT

Rather than presenting it in a classic way, why not put ChatGPT directly to the test? Let's ask him to introduce himself in a few words for this article. To do this, we went to the OpenAI website where, after registration, it is possible to try ChatGPT for free (a premium subscription is already available for users who want a faster, uninterrupted experience).

Hello !


Good morning ! How can I help you today?


How would you introduce yourself in an article about yourself?


I am ChatGPT, a language model created by OpenAI. I am designed to understand and generate natural language using deep learning techniques. My training is based on large textual datasets, which allows me to provide accurate and useful answers to a variety of natural language processing questions and tasks. I am constantly learning and improving through regular updates to my model, which keeps me up to date on the latest developments in natural language understanding.

As you can see, it's quite successful!! The operation of ChatGPT is very simple, you just have to converse with the AI ​​as you would with another human being. So when ChatGPT is asked what it thinks about ecology, it has no trouble providing an answer. However, this highlights OpenAI's desire to make it a "politically correct" conversational agent. So, as he tells us below, ChatGPT has no opinion and is not designed to take a position. It only restores knowledge. In this case, when it comes to ecology, it restores particularly well the state of current scientific knowledge and therefore the urgency to act to reduce the impact of man on the environment.

What do you think of ecology?


As an artificial intelligence, I have no personal thoughts or opinions, but I can tell you that ecology is a crucial and urgent issue for the survival of our planet and its inhabitants. Protecting the environment is key to ensuring a sustainable future for future generations and it is important that we all take steps to reduce our impact on the environment and preserve our planet's natural resources.

But then, if ChatGPT is able to converse with us, and its knowledge of ecology is more or less up-to-date… It may be able to help us in this area? In any case, he seems to be convinced of it!

What can be your use in the field of ecology?


As a language model, I can be useful in the field of ecology in several ways. For example, I can help with the collection, analysis and understanding of environmental data. I can also help with the communication of research results on environmental issues, by producing text summaries or answering questions on specific topics. I can also help raise public awareness by providing information and advice on sustainable practices and green lifestyle choices. Finally I can be used to develop prediction models for complex environmental problems such as climate change, soil degradation or biodiversity loss.

What is the usefulness of ChatGPT in terms of ecology?

The "general public" restitution of knowledge

Since ChatGPT can easily answer users' questions in a fluid and pleasant way to read, one can imagine very quickly and quite easily the uses it could have for explaining any ecological principle to the general public. Equipped with a graphic overlay, or inserted into an application, an information terminal or any other tool for Internet users, it could provide their various questions with a lot of key information without there being any need to imagine each question/answer pair beforehand.

For example, it is quite easy to imagine ChatGPT in a fun graphic interface for young audiences, explaining the different concepts related to ecology in a vocabulary adapted to different age groups. Indeed ChatGPT is able to adapt its answers according to the target audience, as we were able to show quite easily by asking it the same question 3 times, but asking it to adapt its answer to a 5-year-old child, then 10 and finally an adult. We see that each time the age of the “public” increases, the precision of the answer and the vocabulary used by ChatGPT also become more complex.

Renewable energies explained to a 5-year-old child.

Explain renewable energies to a 5-year-old child


Of course, I would be happy to explain renewable energies to you!
Renewable energies are sources of energy that we can use without ever running out of them. This means that we can use them again and again, without ever having to worry about them completely disappearing.
There are several types of renewable energy. One of the best known is solar energy. This means that we can use sunlight to create energy, similar to solar panels.
There is also wind energy, which uses the wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines look a bit like large windmills, and when they spin, they create energy.
There is also hydroelectric power, which uses the power of water to produce energy. This is often done in dams, where water is held back and released to spin a turbine.
By using these renewable energy sources, we can help preserve our planet and not use up all non-renewable resources like oil and gas. This means that we can have electricity and other forms of energy without damaging our environment.

Renewable energies explained to a 10-year-old child.

Explain renewable energies to a 10-year-old child


Of course, I'm happy to explain renewable energy to a 10-year-old child!
Renewable energies are sources of energy that are constantly renewed and do not run out. This means we can use them again and again, never having to worry about them running out completely.
There are several types of renewable energy. Solar energy is one of the best known. It is produced from sunlight, which is converted into electrical energy using solar panels.
Wind energy is another form of renewable energy. It is produced from the force of the wind, which is captured by wind turbines. Wind turbines look a bit like windmills and are often grouped together in wind farms.
Hydroelectric power is produced from the force of moving water. It is produced in hydroelectric plants, where water is held in a dam and released to spin a turbine that produces power.
There are also other forms of renewable energy, such as geothermal (energy produced by the heat of the earth), biomass (energy produced from organic matter such as wood or food waste) , and wave and tidal energy.
By using these renewable energy sources, we can contribute to the preservation of the environment by avoiding the depletion of non-renewable natural resources such as oil and gas. This also allows us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the fight against global warming.

Renewable energies explained to an adult.

Explain renewable energies to an adult


Renewable energies are sources of energy that renew themselves naturally and do not run out. They are produced from natural sources such as the sun, wind, water, heat from the earth, waves, tides, as well as biomass (organic matter). Unlike non-renewable energy sources, such as oil and natural gas, renewable energy sources cannot be depleted because they are constantly regenerated by nature.
There are several types of renewable energy. Solar energy is produced from sunlight, which is converted into electricity using solar panels. Wind energy is produced from the force of wind which is captured by wind turbines and converted into electricity.Hydroelectric power is produced from the force of moving water, which is captured by dams and turbines to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is produced from the heat of the Earth, which is used to produce heat and electricity. Biomass is produced from organic matter such as food and wood waste that is burned to produce heat and electricity.
The benefits of renewable energy are many. First of all, they are more sustainable than fossil fuels and can be used endlessly without harming the environment. Renewable energy also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change. They are also more affordable in the long run because production costs are down and resources are unlimited.
However, there are still challenges to overcome in transitioning to a renewable energy economy. For example, initial production costs can be high, and it can be difficult to store energy produced by renewable sources. Nevertheless, by investing in innovative renewable energy technologies and integrating them into existing energy systems, we can gradually increase the share of renewable energy in our energy supply.

Be careful, however, not to expect too much from the tool!! Indeed, if the discovery of information in a specialized domain is allowed in an amazing way thanks to ChatGPT, to deepen the notions it will be necessary that the user is able to question it correctly. Thus, if asked about innovative solar initiatives, ChatGPT is a source of proposals:

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Do you have any innovative initiatives to suggest to me in the field of solar energy?

Yes, here are some innovative initiatives in the field of solar energy:

  1. Transparent solar panels: Scientists are working on transparent solar panels that could be integrated into windows, screens and cell phones.
  2. Solar roads: Solar roads embed photovoltaic cells in the asphalt to generate solar energy.
  3. Solar Farming: Installing solar panels above farmland can create a clean source of energy while leaving the land farmable.
  4. Floating solar power plants: Floating solar power plants can be installed on lakes and reservoirs to produce solar energy while preserving land.
  5. Solar batteries: Solar batteries are used to store solar energy for later use.
  6. Solar micro-grids: autonomous and decentralized electrical distribution networks that can be powered by local solar energy sources.

In one question we obtain a fairly complete list, which should have been compiled after reading several links via a more traditional search engine.

However, if we wonder this time about one of the initiatives in particular: that of the solar road. It becomes a bit more technical to get information regarding negatives from ChatGPT. Where the simple search for “solar road” in the search engine instantly gives the link to two retail articles the weak points of the solar road tested in Normandy, and an alternative through solar coverage, on the ChatGPT side, it will then take 4 additional questions to detail the points covered in the articles. It should be noted, however, that here again, it offers more complete answers, cites more examples and provides a global view of the problem. However, it is necessary at this stage that the user knows how to question it and then question its answers to take advantage of its full potential.

The defects of a solar road explained by ChatGPT

What are the shortcomings of solar roads?

Although solar roads are a promising innovation in the field of solar energy, they also have several potential flaws. Here are some of the main flaws of solar roads:

  1. High cost: Solar roads can be more expensive to build and maintain than traditional asphalt roads.
  2. Energy efficiency: Solar roads can have lower energy efficiency than traditional solar panels due to the need to maximize their resistance to vehicles and weather.
  3. Durability: Solar roads may not be as durable as traditional asphalt roads due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, heavy vehicles and impacts.
  4. Maintenance: Solar roads may require more frequent and expensive maintenance than traditional asphalt roads due to their technical complexity.
  5. Difficulty of implementation: Setting up solar roads requires a complex construction process that may require additional infrastructure, careful planning and skilled professionals.


In summary, while solar roads can offer attractive energy and environmental benefits, they also have significant shortcomings to consider, including high cost, lower energy efficiency, limited durability, more expensive maintenance, and complexity of maintenance. Implementation. It is therefore important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before considering the construction of solar roads.

Solar roads in practice.

Tell me a place where solar roads have been tested?
Several places around the world have tested solar roads to assess their effectiveness and feasibility. For example, the city of Jinan in China installed a 2 kilometer long solar road in 2017, which was used to supply power to street lights and other city infrastructure. The Netherlands also tested solar roads, installing a 70-meter-long solar-powered cycle path, which was used to supply power for public lighting. In France, a company called Wattway has developed ultra-thin solar panels to be installed on roads, and a section of solar road was installed in 2016 in the village of Tourouvre, Normandy. These tests provided important information on the efficiency, durability and feasibility of solar roads, and helped improve the technology for future applications.

Results of the tests carried out.

Were these tests conclusive?

The results of the solar road tests have been mixed so far. Although solar roads have great potential to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon footprint, the tests revealed several significant challenges that need to be addressed to make them more efficient and sustainable.
For example, the solar road installed in France by Wattway has experienced sustainability and energy efficiency issues. The solar panels were damaged by traffic and extreme weather conditions, and the amount of energy produced was less than expected. Similarly, the solar-powered cycle path installed in the Netherlands also experienced sustainability and efficiency issues, particularly due to the lack of sunlight.
However, despite these challenges, the tests also showed that solar roads have great potential to provide clean, renewable energy. Research continues to improve the durability, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar roads, and progress has been made to overcome these challenges.

An alternative to solar roads.

Is there an alternative to the solar road, more reliable and resistant?

There are several alternatives to solar roads that are more reliable and resilient. One of these alternatives is the use of solar covers installed over existing roads. Solar covers are raised structures that are installed above roads and allow solar energy to be generated without disturbing vehicle traffic. Solar covers are generally more durable and efficient than solar roads, as they are not subject to the same constraints as traditional roads. In addition, solar blankets can be installed on existing land, which can reduce the cost of construction.
Another alternative is the installation of solar panels on the surfaces of buildings and surrounding structures, such as retaining walls, garages, parking lots and bus shelters. This approach is often less expensive than building solar roads or solar blankets, and it also allows renewable energy to be produced near buildings that need it.
Finally, it is important to note that solar power generation is only part of the solution to reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Other approaches such as the use of electric vehicles, improving the energy efficiency of vehicles, and the development of cleaner and more efficient public transport can also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of transport.

Data analysis

On a human scale, it is sometimes complex to process and analyze large amounts of data. When we see ChatGPT easily find the answers to our questions after having had access to a large database, we can't help but think that it could be of great help to us in interpreting large-scale data, or even over a long period of time. Unfortunately, it is currently difficult to test this possibility. And this for many reasons.

At first, ChatGPT is cut off from the internet, which sometimes does not allow him to access the requested answer even when he knows where he could find it.

What was the temperature on January 01, 1990?

I'm sorry, but as a language model, I don't have access to a real-time weather database. However, you can research historical weather data for that day and year in the area you are interested in using online sources such as government weather records or online weather services.


Can you access published patents for solar energy?

As a language model, I don't have direct access to patent databases or IP archives. However, there are several online patent search engines that can be helpful in researching and finding patents related to solar energy. Some of these patent search engines include Google Patents, Espacenet, FreePatentsOnline, and USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

In the two examples above, we see that ChatGPT knows what is expected of it. If he had access to the internet he would no doubt be able to find the temperature on a specific date, or sort through the patents applied for efficiently. It would then be possible to ask him for temperature comparisons between several years. Or very specific research on specific scientific publications. But in the current state of things this remains hypothetical and to be tested once internet access has been established.

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Dissemination and translation of data from scientific research

It is probably in this area that ChatGPT will be able to offer its services most effectively. Indeed, as a language model it has been particularly well trained to formulate text. So he can without too much difficulty:

  • Create text from data

    Write me a text of about 500 words explaining the effects of the different forces exerted when a car is in motion. Then translate this same text into English.

    When a car is in motion, it is subject to different forces that influence its behavior. Here is an overview of the main forces at play:

    1. Frictional force: the friction between the tires and the road surface slows the car and creates a force that opposes its movement.
    2. Tractive force: the car's tires create a force that propels it forward, thanks to friction with the road.
    3. Drag Force: As the car moves, it creates an area of ​​pressure around it that resists its movement. This force is called drag, and can be reduced in aerodynamics.
    4. Centrifugal force: when the car turns, it experiences a force that pulls it out of the corner, called centrifugal force.
    5. Force of weight: the car is subjected to the gravitational force of the Earth, which keeps it in contact with the road.
    6. Inertial Force: Any moving object tends to stay in motion, which creates a force that pushes the car forward.
    7. Braking Force: Car brakes create a force that slows the car down by converting kinetic energy into heat.


    These forces can be used to control the movement of the car. For example, drivers can use the brakes to slow the car down, and the tractive force to speed it up. Engineers can also use technologies such as spoilers and ailerons to reduce drag and improve the car's aerodynamics.
    By understanding how these forces influence car motion, drivers can become more aware of their surroundings and better control their vehicle.

  • Provide a fairly readable translation of a text in another language

    When a car is in motion, it is subject to different forces that influence its behavior. Here is an overview of the main forces at play:

    1. Frictional force: The friction between the tires and the road surface slows down the car and creates a force that opposes its movement.
    2. Traction force: The car's tires create a force that propels it forward, thanks to the friction with the road.
    3. Drag force: When the car moves, it creates a zone of pressure around it that resists its movement. This force is called drag and can be reduced through aerodynamics.
    4. Centrifugal force: When the car turns, it undergoes a force that pulls it towards the outside of the turn, called centrifugal force.
    5. Weight force: The car is subject to the gravitational force of the Earth, which keeps it in contact with the road
    6. Inertia force: Any object in motion tends to remain in motion, creating a force that pushes the car forward.
    7. Braking force: The car's brakes create a force that slows down the car by converting kinetic energy into heat.


    These forces can be used to control the car's movement. For example, drivers can use the brakes to slow down the car, and the traction force to accelerate it. Engineers can also use technologies such as spoilers and wings to reduce drag and improve the car's aerodynamics.
    By understanding how these forces influence the car's movement, drivers can become more aware of their environment and better control their vehicle

  • Simplify a text by replacing complicated notions with simple vocabulary that everyone can understand

    As a car moves, it encounters different forces that affect its motion. Here are some of the important strengths:

    1. The car's tires rub on the road surface, which slows down the car.
    2. The car's tires allow the car to move forward by propelling it forward.
    3. As the car rolls, it encounters a force that holds it back and prevents it from moving forward quickly. This force is called drag.
    4. When the car turns, it is pulled towards the outside of the turn. This is due to a force called centrifugal force.
    5. The car is held to the ground by a force called the force of weight. It is the force that pulls any object down.
    6. Anything that moves tends to keep moving. This tendency is called the force of inertia.
    7. Car brakes create a force that slows the car by converting kinetic energy into heat.


    These forces can be used to control how the car moves. For example, the driver can use the brakes to slow the car down and the tractive force to speed it up. Engineers can also use fins and spoilers to make the car more aerodynamic, which can reduce drag and improve speed.
    By understanding how these forces affect the way the car moves, the driver can better control their car and be more aware of their surroundings.

Even more impressive, it is perfectly capable of:

  • Identify complicated notions in a text on their own to add them to a lexicon

    Take this last text, underline the complicated words and provide a definition in a glossary written at the end of the text


    As a car moves, it encounters different forces that affect its motion. Here are some of the important strengths:

    1. The car's tires rub on the road surface, which slows down the car.
    2. The car's tires allow the car to move forward by propelling it forward.
    3. As the car rolls, it encounters a force that holds it back and prevents it from moving forward quickly. This force is called drag.
    4. When the car turns, it is pulled towards the outside of the turn. This is due to a force called centrifugal force.
    5. The car is held to the ground by a force called the force of weight. It is the force that pulls any object down.
    6. Anything that moves tends to keep moving. This tendency is called the force of inertia.
    7. Car brakes create a force that slows the car by converting kinetic energy into heat.


    These forces can be used to control how the car moves. For example, the driver can use the brakes to slow the car down and the tractive force to speed it up. Engineers can also use fins and spoilers to make the car more aerodynamic, which can reduce drag and improve speed.
    By understanding how these forces affect the way the car moves, the driver can better control their car and be more aware of their surroundings.

    Glossary:

    • Drag: force that opposes the movement of an object in a fluid.
    • Centrifugal force: force that moves an object in circular motion away from the axis of rotation.
    • Weight force: Force acting on an object due to gravity.
    • Force of inertia: tendency of a moving object to continue moving in the same direction, at the same speed, unless an external force stops it or changes it.
  • To incorporate entries into the lexicon at the user's request!!

    Can you repeat the text above, but add the definition of kinetic energy?

    As a car moves, it encounters different forces that affect its motion. Here are some of the important strengths:

    1. The car's tires rub on the road surface, which slows down the car.
    2. The car's tires allow the car to move forward by propelling it forward.
    3. As the car rolls, it encounters a force that holds it back and prevents it from moving forward quickly. This force is called drag.
    4. When the car turns, it is pulled towards the outside of the turn. This is due to a force called centrifugal force.
    5. The car is held to the ground by a force called the force of weight. It is the force that pulls any object down.
    6. Anything that moves tends to keep moving. This tendency is called the force of inertia.
    7. Car brakes create a force that slows the car by converting kinetic energy into heat.


    These forces can be used to control how the car moves. For example, the driver can use the brakes to slow the car down and the tractive force to speed it up. Engineers can also use fins and spoilers to make the car more aerodynamic, which can reduce drag and improve speed.
    By understanding how these forces affect the way the car moves, the driver can better control their car and be more aware of their surroundings.

    Glossary:

    • Drag: force that opposes the movement of an object in a fluid.
    • Centrifugal force: force that moves an object in circular motion away from the axis of rotation.
    • Weight force: Force acting on an object due to gravity.
    • Force of inertia: tendency of a moving object to continue moving in the same direction, at the same speed, unless an external force stops it or changes it.
    • Kinetic energy: form of energy that results from the movement of an object. The faster an object moves, the higher its energy.

Prediction and creation of scenarios

On the prediction side, ChatGPT is relatively random. However, it seems that to get a more "free" answer from him, asking him to write a text is better than asking him a simple question. If we ask him, for example, what our living conditions are likely to be in 2050 if nothing is done to stop global warming, his answer is quite succinct and he emphasizes above all the fact that he is not there to give his opinion.

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Continuing at the current pace, what can you predict about life on earth by 2050?
As a language model, I cannot predict the future with certainty. However, if current trends continue without significant change, it is possible that some living conditions on earth will become more difficult by 2050. Here are some examples:

  1. Climate change: If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at the current rate, the average temperature of the planet is expected to increase by several degrees Celsius by 2050. This could lead to an increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes , storms, floods, droughts and heat waves, seriously affecting the living conditions of millions of people.
  2. Pressure on natural resources: The world population is expected to reach approximately 9 billion by 2050, which will increase the demand for food, water, energy and other natural resources. If consumption and production practices do not change significantly, this could lead to increased pressure on natural resources and increased pollution.
  3. Loss of biodiversity: Human activities such as deforestation, pollution and climate change have already caused a significant decrease in biodiversity. If current trends continue, it is possible that many animal and plant species will disappear by 2050, which could have significant repercussions on ecosystems and the quality of human life.


However, it is important to note that the future is not necessarily determined by current trends. Governments, businesses and citizens can work together to implement more sustainable policies and practices to prevent or mitigate these potential issues.

On the other hand, if he is asked to imagine a scenario in 200 words on the same issue, he is more talkative and less restrained:

Write in 200 words the scenario that seems most likely to you concerning living conditions on Earth in 2050 without significant changes to our current habits.


If we continue to follow the same model of economic and social development that we have today, it is likely that living conditions on Earth in 2050 will deteriorate significantly.
First, the world's population is expected to continue to grow, likely reaching nearly 10 billion people by 2050. This will lead to increasing pressure on natural resources, food production systems, natural habitats and infrastructure.
Climate change is also expected to worsen, leading to increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events such as storms, floods, droughts and wildfires. This will have consequences for agriculture, food production, drinking water, public health and safety.
Biodiversity loss is also expected to continue, with the disappearance of many animal and plant species, the destruction of natural habitats and widespread pollution. This will have a negative impact on natural ecosystems, air and water quality, food production and the livelihoods of nature-dependent people.
Finally, conflicts and social inequalities are also expected to worsen, due to increasing pressure on natural resources and competition for jobs and livelihoods. This could lead to mass migration, social unrest, armed conflict and increased poverty.
In sum, if we fail to significantly change our current habits, living conditions on Earth in 2050 could be marked by a growing population, increased climate change, loss of biodiversity, conflicts and social inequalities, as well as major economic, political and environmental challenges. It is therefore essential that we take urgent and significant action to change direction and promote sustainable development.

Here again, it is necessary to master the way of questioning the tool to push it to the maximum of its capacities. This can be fascinating for those who like to "bicker" with it until a satisfactory result is obtained, but on the contrary, it risks exhausting users who want a quick answer to their questions.

What are (currently) the weak points of ChatGPT?

One of ChatGPT's biggest problems right now is its lack of internet connection!! Indeed its database stops in 2021, it is therefore complex to question it on any question relating to a rapidly changing field (example: do not ask it to help you choose your new technological gadget, it does not has no knowledge of new releases after 2021). On the other hand, this lack of internet connection also makes it impossible for him to access certain essential information. We could see it for example by wanting to try our hand at data analysis. However, this problem should quickly be resolved with the arrival of ChatGPT in the Bing search engine. Indeed, it is already possible to put yourself on a waiting list to be able to test this new version of the Microsoft search engine.

Another problem for ChatGPT: its sudden popularity which propelled it a little too much into the limelight, presenting it as an "AI of all things". However, if it is indeed competent in many areas, it deserves on the other hand to be used in association with other AIs that are sometimes less known but more specific to certain uses.

Conclusion

Although ChatGPT has on paper the capacity to revolutionize many sectors of activity, including in the field of ecology, it is in reality the use that will be made of it that will determine the extent of the benefit brought by its services. Thus, it will be necessary, as was the case for research using traditional engines, to make Internet users aware of the specificities of ChatGPT to teach them how to push it to the maximum of its capabilities with ease.

For further…

The artificial intelligence technologies (IA) being currently on the front of the stage following the release of ChatGPT, it would have been a shame not to list some other solutions which relate to it and render great services in their respective fields.

For example, we can cite:

  • DGMR, a tool capable of predict rain events used by UK weather services
  • PlantNet, an application capable of helping a user to recognize a plant using photos taken of it.
  • Several initiatives based on AI technology are also being developed to help sort waste in recycling plants.
  • Image generation from a simple textual description, we will come back to this in a future article. The main image of this article is one!

A general discussion on ethics and developments in AI was initiated in 2018 on this site. You can also discuss more specifically ChatGPT on this forum.

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