Sustainability in the digital age: Environmental Impacts of AI Systems

AI technologies drive innovation, yet every AI model consumes energy, leaving a carbon footprint. As the adoption of AI grows, so does its environmental impact. This course examines into the environmental impacts associated with artificial intelligence systems beginning with an overview of AI, including its core applications, and follows with a primer on energy and carbon accounting to establish a foundation for understanding AI's environmental footprint. Students will explore current methodologies for measuring and reporting the carbon emissions of AI models, including detailed case studies. Through this exploration, learners will gain insights into the key challenges faced by researchers and practitioners when attempting to quantify AI’s environmental impact.

In addition to reviewing current measurement practices, the course will offer recommendations for reducing its ecological footprint. Throughout the course, learners will engage with cutting-edge research from leaders in the field, encouraging reflection on how these issues are relevant to their work.

Scope:

The Sustainability in the digital age: Environmental Impacts of AI Systems course runs for two weeks with a total workload of approximately 6 hours. It includes around 12 videos (12-14 minutes each), followed by small self-tests. The final exam takes place in the second week.

All learning materials (videos, self-tests, and texts) are available from the start of the course. The final exam is activated at the end of the first week and remains open until the course ends, giving participants two weeks to complete the content and one week for the exam.

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Interest in sustainability, environmental science, or technology policy
• No advanced technical or coding knowledge is required