I took my first cognitive science class this semester because I was interested in understanding the recent, rapid advances in artificial intelligence. Learning about how artificial intelligence works and what the future could look like inspired me to pursue a double major in Cognitive Science and Economics, driven by the belief that AI, with proper safeguards, has the potential to change society for the better. AI's greatest strength is the ability to create efficiency. As the technology continues training to eliminate bias and reinforcement learning to increase accuracy, it could become a tool for nonprofits and governments to address social issues. For example, predictive models powered by AI could revolutionize how governments and nonprofits develop solutions, providing insights into the outcomes of policies before they’re implemented. This kind of analysis would enable policymakers to better understand the real-world impact of their decisions, creating more equitable outcomes. My vision for the future of AI centers on tackling the climate crisis, an issue that greatly affects my generation. During high school, as a volunteer for the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate justice organization, I gained a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of what climate change will affect-- temperature, water supply, agriculture, natural disasters, health, supply chains, and more. The effects of climate change are already felt globally, so we must be able to efficiently track and respond to changing patterns in the natural world. AI offers the solution to this existential problem. Imagine an AI system trained to predict climate trends and natural disasters as new information comes in, empowering governments and organizations to allocate resources efficiently and proactively address crises. Similarly, AI could transform agriculture by analyzing vast datasets to determine optimal growing conditions for crops as climate zones shift, ensuring food security for a growing global population. These applications demonstrate AI’s capacity to tackle challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Although fears about artificial intelligence are valid, they shouldn't deter us from harnessing its potential for good. The technology is here to stay, and its future impact depends on how we choose to develop and apply it. As a woman in Cognitive Science and Economics, I hope to use my degree to expand generative AI in a way that advances our society, especially in the fight for environmental justice. By leveraging the efficiency of AI, I hope to create a more equitable, livable future.