ENV 2720: Artificial Intelligence and the Environment

This course examines current and potential uses for artificial intelligence (AI) in conservation, climate action, and to accelerate and scale sustainability efforts. It also examines current and potential negative environmental impacts, from energy and water consumption to electronic waste and environmental injustice. This course uses a case study approach and diverse theoretical perspectives to examine and analyze current and emerging uses of AI in forestry sustainability, firefighting, flood and pollution prediction, climate modeling, biodiversity cataloguing, and more. Cases will also be used to understand current community and environmental impacts associated with mineral extraction, water and energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. Students will consider debates and relationships surrounding data capitalism, AI, climate change, and social justice. In a rapidly changing and developing AI landscape, students will choose a topic on AI and the environment to explore the current benefits and harms of the use of AI in their context of focus for humans, ecosystems, and the planet, They will also research and analyze ways to reduce harm and enhance the social and environmental benefits of AI in their context of focus.