The Environmental Footprint of AI: Understanding the Trade-offs

What is this about?

In this activity, you’ll explore the article by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) linked in the first slide of this course (www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about) and reflect on the environmental impacts associated with AI. The article outlines concerns such as electricity use, water consumption, rare earth mining, and e-waste. It also offers possible solutions and governance ideas. After reading, complete a short interactive exercise to test your understanding.