As artificial intelligence (AI) gradually integrates into our world, recent discussions have highlighted the growing demand for electricity and water resources due to AI technologies. For instance, AI’s power consumption is comparable to that of a small country, and there are concerns that AI could lead to a resurgence of fossil fuels.
David Rolnick, a computer scientist at McGill University, likened AI to a hammer, emphasizing that its impact depends on its use rather than the tool itself. AI can both harm and help the environment. The growing demand for electricity by AI is similar to that of electric vehicles or other emerging technologies and industries. The pressing issue is how humanity can meet these demands and leverage AI as a tool to combat climate change.
There are increasing examples of AI effectively addressing environmental issues and reducing industrial carbon emissions. From a policy perspective, both AI and environmental policies have opportunities to make an impact. This panel invites stakeholders from government, industry, technical groups, and academia to discuss methods and challenges in combining AI with sustainable environmental development, while meeting policy, commercial, and environmental goals.
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