Artificial Intelligence, For Better or Worse

Concerns About AI and Its Impacts: Dr. Karen Boyd pursues a Ph.D. and focuses her research to help society understand AI and its implications without hype, particularly aiding “mission-driven” organizations to use AI responsibly.
Environmental Impacts: Dr. Boyd argues that while AI development should be watched for environmental effects, it is more of a data-center issue rather than an inherent AI problem, as activities like streaming video use more resources than AI.
Myth-busting in AI Usage: Dr. Boyd corrects myths about AI’s resource use, clarifying that usual activities such as video streaming are more intensive than AI queries, and that offsetting AI’s use can be achieved through minor lifestyle changes, like reducing meat consumption.
Policy and Systemic Change: Dr. Boyd emphasizes the need for green policies to make data centers more environmentally friendly and to protect the environment from rare-earth mining used in electronics.
Leverage and Advocacy: She highlights how organizations and individuals can pressure tech companies for sustainability, advocating for systemic changes through membership and support to advocacy groups.
Opportunities from AI for Sustainability: AI can help identify inefficiencies in one’s lifestyle or organization, which aids in reducing environmental impact, alongside the broader potential benefits of AI like drug discovery and personalized medicine.

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