In recent times, the concept of sustainability has gained prominence globally as civilization struggles with the urgent need to address challenges related to environmental, social, and economic domains. Sustainability aims to find equilibrium between present needs and the preservation of future generations' capacity to meet their own requirements. This holistic approach recognizes the intricate relations among environmental, social, and economic driving forces, placing a strong emphasis on responsible and ethical practices to foster a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the planet.

The onset of COVID-19 presented significant challenges for humanity, testing resilience, coordination, and the ability to innovate swiftly to combat the threats posed by the invisible adversary. However, in hindsight, sustainable practices, including investments in renewable energy, local food systems, and healthcare infrastructure, emerged as crucial components in building resilience against future crises. The emphasis on sustainability became intertwined with the imperative to create systems capable of withstanding shocks and disruptions.

The importance of sustainability extends notably to the energy and water sectors, where it plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges related to climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Both sectors are integral to supporting modern societies, and embracing sustainable practices within them is essential for fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious future.

In the energy sector, future research is poised to explore areas such as renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, smart grids, energy storage solutions, and decentralized energy systems. Similarly, for water security and sustainability, key focus areas include water conservation, water recycling and reuse, natural infrastructure, smart water management, and innovative technologies such as desalination.

To expedite progress toward these targets and drive technological innovations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as potent tools across various sectors. Their capacity to analyze extensive datasets, recognize patterns, and make predictions facilitates informed decision-making, process optimization, and the creation of innovative solutions.

In the energy sector, AI and ML algorithms optimize energy consumption, manage smart grids efficiently, and seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources. These technologies aid in designing energy-efficient and sustainable buildings by analyzing climate data, building materials, and occupancy patterns. Waste management processes are optimized through AI and ML, with smart sorting systems identifying and segregating recyclable materials. Water conservation benefits from AI technologies monitoring usage, detecting leaks, and optimizing irrigation systems, while smart water management systems use machine learning to analyze data for informed decision-making.

Addressing sustainability challenges necessitates global collaboration, particularly for transboundary issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a pivotal role in fostering collective action, motivating nations, organizations, and individuals to collaborate toward shared objectives for the planet and its inhabitants.

This Research Topic focuses on the intervention of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in developing sustainable solutions for the water and energy sectors. The emphasis is on exploring various aspects, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Driven approaches in Desalination;
• Data driven approaches in water recycling, reuse, distribution and management;
• Data driven approaches in renewable energy; and,
• Data driven approaches in smart grid and energy distribution.

Topic Editor Prof. Anirban Roy was the CEO of Biomimicry Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and is the founder and Director of ESSIL (Epione Swajal Solutions India LLP) as well as Trumed Medical Devices Pvt. Ltd . The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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