'Everything, Everywhere, all at Once’ - Understanding the Dynamics of the Environmental Impacts of AI

​Chris will present research exploring how environmental life cycle assessment at the micro level can help us better understand the wider environmental and energy impacts of AI at a global scale.

​The talk will look at the digitisation trends that were already shaping energy demand before the rise of AI, before examining how AI is accelerating and layering onto those existing dynamics. Chris will also explore possible future scenarios, the narratives shaping them, and what they could mean in practice.

​Chris Preist is Professor of Sustainability and Computer Systems, as well as University Academic Director for Sustainability, at the University of Bristol.

​His research focuses on the environmental impacts of digital systems, both positive and negative, intentional and unintended. He explores how technical system design, organisational strategy, and policy can influence and shape those impacts.