Responsible AI Series: Disrupt your Sustainability Strategy
Thu, 06 June @ 10:00 – 11:30
This is an online event.
Audience
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence(AI) series is only open to members of Business in the Community (BITC). This event has been designed for Environment/Sustainability practitioners/managers, CSR/Responsible business/ ESG practitioners/managers and anybody working with AI.
Background
AI is already a part of our everyday lives, and the potential for its impact on our ability to get to net zero is huge. AI is already used to track weather events, pollution and the impact of the climate emergency on the natural world. A Framework for Using AI to Combat Climate Change created by BCG suggests utilising AI for measurement, reductions and removal; adaptation and resilience; and climate modelling, finances and education. And BCG are already offering a service to use AI for calculating product lifecycle emissions. Siemens are utilising AI to both save water with VA SYD and cut water pollution with Yorkshire Water, whilst Google AI is working with the Environmental Defence Fund to monitor methane emissions on a planetary level.
However, the Climate Action against Disinformation Coalition is concerned about the hype. Some research suggests that increased electricity required to power AI will mean a doubling of data centres and a potential 80% increase in emissions caused by data centres. And in three years from now AI servers could use more electricity than the whole of Sweden.* Certainly the use of AI will increase our emissions in the shorter term.
But will the bigger picture make it worth it? What is the art of the possible? Will solutions created by AI in the industry metaverse change the game? And are we ready to innovate to ensure these solutions are created to ensure a net positive outcome for the planet and society? This event will provide a space to discuss some of these questions.
About the event
This events falls in The Great Big Green Week, close to World Environment Day 2024, and presents an opportunity for BITC member companies investing in climate action strategies, to come together to reflect on the risks and opportunities presented by AI. Participants will hear from member companies who are investing in AI as a solution for the future and spark ideas for us to discuss around:
- The positive opportunities that come from embedding AI in our sustainability strategies and solutions
- The negative impacts of AI that will contribute to our carbon footprint
- The art of what’s possible – the world that we can seek to create if we innovate to utilise the latest technology
About the Responsible AI series
AI is poised to transform work, with implications for people, places, and the planet. Every business will engage with AI, affecting employee support, customer interactions, and value chains. Responsible AI practices can enhance business performance and address societal challenges. Poor practices may perpetuate biases and worsen environmental impacts.
BITC is embarking on a series of dymanic Responsible Business AI events, spotlighting the critical challenges and barriers that AI poses if businesses fail to embrace responsible integration, where leaders and practitioners have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and gather insights from our issue area experts and trailblazing businesses within our network.
Booking and contact details and further information
- Contact Jessica Hart, Events Coordinator at BITC for any further questions.
- Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.
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