Host Arielle Tye in conversation with Mary Stevens, Experiments Program Manager at Friends of the Earth, exploring the intersection of AI and environmental justice.
In this chat with Arielle, Mary delves into the potential of AI to drive positive change while addressing its environmental risks. Mary shares insights from her work on creating a balanced narrative between AI's utopian and dystopian possibilities, emphasising the importance of values-led technology use.
Discover practical steps organisations can take to harness AI responsibly and the role of advocacy in shaping a sustainable tech future.
Resources shared by Mary:
CAST resources: AI resources
Green Web Foundation (Thinking About Using AI report): Report: Thinking about using AI? - Green Web Foundation
Green Screen Coalition: Green Screen Coalition
Within Bounds: Limiting AI’s Environmental Impact – joint statement: Within Bounds: Limiting AI's environmental impact :: Green Screen Coalition
Global Action Plan on data centres: What's the deal with data centres?
Innovation for Impact Network – AI in the Nonprofit sector: AI for Nonprofits — Innovation for Impact Network
Rachel Coldicutt – Just Enough Internet: Just enough Internet: Why public service Internet should be a model of restraint – doteveryone
Takeaways
AI has the potential to drive positive environmental change.
There are significant risks associated with AI's environmental impact.
A balanced narrative between AI's utopian and dystopian views is essential.
Values-led technology use is crucial for responsible AI adoption.
Organisations should focus on practical steps to harness AI responsibly.
Advocacy plays a key role in shaping a sustainable tech future.
AI can enhance human qualities rather than diminish them.
Practical use cases of AI include nature identification apps and chatbots.
AI's role in environmental justice involves addressing systemic issues.
Networks like Tech for Good Southwest can influence collective advocacy.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to AI and Environmental Justice
00:03:00 Balancing AI Narratives
00:06:00 Values-Led Technology Use
00:09:00 Practical Steps for Responsible AI
00:12:00 The Role of Advocacy in Tech