COP27 Panel: What is the Environmental Footprint of Artificial Intelligence?
by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The "COP27 Panel: What is the Environmental Footprint of Artificial Intelligence?" was a virtual event held on November 15, 2022, as part of the OECD's virtual pavilion during the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). Organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the panel aimed to explore the environmental impacts associated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
The session focused on the dual role of AI in climate action: its potential to support positive environmental outcomes through applications like digital twin technology and data center optimization, and the sustainability concerns arising from the significant natural resources AI systems consume, such as electricity and water, along with the carbon emissions they produce. The discussion was informed by the launch of the OECD report titled "Measuring the Environmental Impacts of AI Compute and Applications: The AI Footprint," which examines existing measurement tools and challenges in quantifying AI's environmental impacts.
Notable speakers included Dr. Peter Addo from Agence Française de Développement, Celine Caira from the OECD, George Kamiya formerly of the International Energy Agency, Johannes Leon Kirnberger, Jens Lundsgaard from the OECD, Ronny Rodríguez Chaves from Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy, Keith Strier from NVIDIA, and Lee Tiedrich from Duke Law School. The panel was moderated by Stephanie Ifayemi from the Partnership on AI.
This event was particularly relevant for policymakers, environmental scientists, AI researchers, and industry professionals interested in understanding and mitigating the environmental footprint of AI technologies. Attendees gained insights into the latest research, policy considerations, and practical approaches to ensure that AI development aligns with global sustainability goals.
Speakers(9)
Celine Caira
Economist/Policy Analyst at OECD
Celine Caira is an economist and policy analyst in the AI Unit of the OECD's Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation, leading the coordination and analytical work of the OECD.AI Expert Group on AI Compute and Climate.
Dr. Peter Addo
Head of Emerging Tech Lab at Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Dr. Peter Addo leads the Emerging Tech Lab at the Agence Française de Développement, focusing on harnessing data and technologies for sustainable development. He is a member of the OECD Network of Experts on AI.
George Kamiya
Expert on climate impacts of digital technologies at International Energy Agency (former)
George Kamiya led the International Energy Agency’s analysis on the energy and climate impacts of digitalisation, as well as on modelling and policy aspects of emerging topics including critical minerals and cybersecurity.
Jens Lundsgaard
Deputy Director – OECD Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at OECD
Jens Lundsgaard is the Deputy Director of the OECD’s Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation, overseeing work on digital and technology policy, productivity, science, and innovation to enable an economy-wide climate transition.
Johannes Leon Kirnberger
Consultant on AI and Climate
Johannes Leon Kirnberger co-leads the program on climate action at the International Centre of Expertise in Montreal on AI (CEIMIA) and is a consultant on AI and climate at the OECD. He is a member of the UNEP Expert Group on Digital Tech for Circular Economy.
Keith Strier
VP Worldwide AI Initiatives / Co-Chair of the OECD.AI Expert Group on AI Compute and Climate at NVIDIA
Keith Strier leads NVIDIA’s AI Nations Initiative, assisting governments in acquiring AI infrastructure to realize their AI plans. He works with senior leaders across sectors to deploy AI, GPU-Accelerated Computing, Autonomous Machines, and IoT at scale.
Lee Tiedrich
Visiting Professor / Co-Chair of Responsible AI Strategy for the Environment, Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) at Duke Law School
Lee Tiedrich is a Visiting Professor at Duke Law School and a Distinguished Faculty Fellow in Ethical Technology with the Duke Initiative for Science & Society. She is a recognized leader in AI, data, and emerging technology matters, serving in the Global Partnership on AI Multistakeholder Expert Group.
Ronny Rodríguez Chaves
Energy Deputy Minister at Ministry of Environment and Energy in Costa Rica
Ronny Rodríguez Chaves is the Vice Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica, with extensive experience in the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity since 1993.
Stephanie Ifayemi
Head of Policy at Partnership on AI
Stephanie Ifayemi is the Head of Policy at Partnership on AI, responsible for designing and executing PAI’s policy strategy. Previously, she led the UK government's work on AI technical standards and delivery of the objectives set out in the National AI Strategy.
Event Details
- Date
- November 15, 2022
- Location
- 🇪🇬 Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Policymakers, environmental scientists, AI researchers, industry professionals