Green AI and Governance

AI presents both transformative opportunities and significant challenges, with one of the most pressing being its environmental impact. AI’s deployment and operation demand vast amount of  energy and water for powering and cooling, generate e-waste, and rely heavily on rare earth metals for chip manufacturing. Moreover, AI’s resource demands have far-reaching implications for critical areas such as energy generation, water supply, and resource sustainability

These environmental costs are often overlooked. This affects the cost-benefit analysis of AI, ranging from social costs to the return on AI investment. 

The rapid adoption of generative AI, outpacing that of previous major technologies, exacerbates these environmental challenges. It makes sustainable solutions a pressing issue. 

From a governance perspective, the project investigates the pathways to green AI —AI systems and practices that are environmental sustainable. It conducts interdisciplinary research that integrates insights from technology, law, and other areas such as environment. 

This project aims to develop holistic governance frameworks that balance innovation with ecological responsibility. Key questions include:  

1. How can we ensure that AI is environmentally responsible?  
2. How can governance frameworks effectively integrate technology, sustainable development, and other factors such as technical standards, market incentives, and regulatory policies?  
3. What are the specific mismatches between digitalization (especially AI) and sustainability? How can these mismatches be identified, mitigated, or reconciled?
4. What incentives or mechanisms can encourage stakeholders, including technology developers and users, to adopt green AI practices?
5. How can the public-private partnership and international cooperation be fostered to promote green AI? 
6. In what ways can digitalization drive sustainability goals through innovative applications such as monitoring carbon emissions and optimizing resource use? 

Related work:

Heng Wang, “Addressing Governance Challenges of Digitalisation and Sustainability: The Case of Central Bank Digital Currency”, Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law, Vol. 33, Iss. 3, 2024, 647-661 (visual abstract; part of his keynotes at the World Bank FCI Seoul Center’s 10th Anniversary Event and Vaduz Roundtable)