The climate and environmental footprint of AI
A lecture by Behnam Zakeri as part of the Lectures for Future series, hosted by Kunst und Zeit | Fotografie.
This lecture explores the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability, with a particular focus on AI’s environmental impact. It introduces key concepts of sustainability, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the environment.
The lecture examines the direct environmental impact of AI computing and, more broadly, of data centres, including their material and resource requirements, water footprint, waste, and pollution.
Another focus is the indirect impact of AI on environmental sustainability. On the positive side, AI can contribute to areas such as the discovery of new materials, biodiversity and environmental monitoring, the development of a circular economy, and the transition towards more sustainable societies. At the same time, the lecture addresses potential negative effects, including rebound effects, irresponsible digitalisation, electronic waste, and negative externalities affecting human health and natural ecosystems.
The lecture will be in English.