AI and the Environment - coming to terms with rebound and ripple effects. In this event, James White (Department of Technology and Society) presents why the rapid development and uptake of AI poses a significant challenge to the achievement of sustainability goals.  

The rapid development and uptake of AI poses a significant challenge to the achievement of sustainability goals. This is both because of the direct energy and resource demands of generative AI, and because of the role that AI systems play in shaping information practices, and consumer and political preferences. In his presentation, James White argues that so-called rebound and ripple effects require us to think carefully about how we are accounting for and attempting to intervene upon the environmental sustainability of AI. 
 
James White is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Technology and Society at Lund University. He studies the role of expertise in decision-making and governance at the intersection of digital technology and the environment.  

About the Chat SDG - Research on and with AI series

This is one of three presentations on the theme “Chat SDG – research on and with AI”, arranged by the Arena group for sustainability questions/Agenda 2030, a group within the Lund University Libraries. 

Three researchers give short presentations of their research in relation to AI and the Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities. James White’s presentation (in English)
• Goal 15 - Life on Land. Lars Pettersson’s presentation about AI and the world of night moths (in Swedish)
• Goal 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Maria Hedlund’s presentation about AI and democratic governance (in Swedish)

Come and listen to James White and ask your questions! 

See James White’s profile in the Research Portal | portal.research.lu.se 

The University Library is under renovation and will only open its main entrance during the Sustainability Week events. The presentation will be held in the Bromansalen just to the right of the entrance.  

Find the University Library | google.com/maps

The event is part of Sustainability Week 2025, which runs between 5-10 May. Sustainability Week is an annual event in Lund organised as a joint venture by Lund University and Lund municipality. The week serves as a platform for bringing together ideas, raising public awareness and for inspiring sustainable change.

See the full programme at hallbarhetsveckan.event.lu.se