AI ethics and the environment

As students, we are at the intersection of innovation and responsibility. Considering AI as an innovative technology with environmental impacts, there are ethical questions to consider. 

The UN Environment Programme published, “AI has an environmental problem. Here’s what the world can do about that“ as a story in Environment Under Review, 2024. The publication warns that the lack of government-driven environmental safeguards around AI innovation presents as much risk as the lack of AI-related safeguards themselves. “Governments are racing to develop national AI strategies but rarely do they take the environment and sustainability into account. The lack of environmental guardrails is no less dangerous than the lack of other AI-related safeguards” [Environment Under Review, 2024].

Consider the following three ethical questions:  

Sustainability versus innovation: Should AI development slow down to reduce environmental harm, or do its benefits justify the environmental costs?

Access and equity: Who gets to use AI effectively? Often, high capital countries, organisations and individuals dominate the AI space, widening the socio-geo-economic digital divide.

Accountability: Who is responsible for AI-related environmental damage; developers, companies, governments, users, everyone? 

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TASK: Choose one of the three ethical questions above and write your brief response in the comments section below.

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How can students get involved? 

Environmental advocacy: Support and advocate for research into the impacts of AI on the environment. Stay vigilant to updates with governmental policies and scientific research with the understanding that AI evolves quickly. 

Stay informed: Take courses on AI ethics and sustainability, or engage in environmental studies which can deepen your understanding of the topic area. Currently, you are exploring the environmental section of this AI Ethics, Inclusion & Society MOOC, so you’re already acting responsibly!