IGF 2024 WS #110 The Dark Side of AI Toward a Sustainable Intelligent Society

    Organizer 1: tianpei ren, Tsinghua University
    Organizer 2: Huantao Zhang, Tsinghua university
    Organizer 3: Qin Zhang, Tsinghua University

    Speaker 1: Zhang Fang, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 2: 竣 苏, Intergovernmental Organization, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Tianpei REN, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group

    Moderator

    Zhang Fang, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group

    Online Moderator

    Qin Zhang, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Rapporteur

    tianpei ren, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group

    Format

    Classroom
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: The chosen 60-minute duration and classroom layout are tailored to facilitate an effective educational and interactive experience. First, this setup ensures enough time to explore complex topics thoroughly yet succinctly, maintaining participant engagement without causing fatigue. It is also long enough to cover essential content and allow for questions, but short enough to keep the discussion focused and dynamic. Second, classroom layout ensures all participants have a clear view of the presenter and visual aids, facilitating better understanding and interaction. This format allows for an in-depth discussion, active participation, and focused learning, all of which are essential for addressing the intricate topics of AI and sustainability.

    Policy Question(s)

    1.How do tensions between AI and sustainable intelligent society governance emerge? What are AI's potential risks to achieving SDGs, and where are its negative impacts most notable?
    2.How can the positive effects of AI on sustainable development be balanced against its environmental costs? Specifically, how can we prevent increased resource consumption and energy demands when using advanced technologies like generative AI to promote green, low-carbon development in the digital industry?
    3.During the process of promoting AI and the sustainable development of intelligent societies, how do the major stakeholders act? What governance gaps exist?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants attending this session will gain a multifaceted understanding of the complex interplay between artificial intelligence and sustainable development within an intelligent society.
    1. Understanding of AI's Environmental Impact: Participants will acquire insights into AI's potential risks and adverse environmental impacts, particularly in resource consumption and energy demand.
    2. Balancing Technology with Ecology: The session will also elucidate strategies for balancing technological advancement with ecological stewardship, emphasizing the development of green and low-carbon digital industries.
    3. Stakeholders Roles and Governance: Attendees will explore the roles of different stakeholders in shaping the governance of AI technologies, identifying gaps, and formulating solutions for sustainable practices.
    4. Providing Multidisciplinary Perspectives: Participants will be equipped with a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI technology and sustainable development, ready to apply these insights to their respective fields.

    Description:

    In recent years, with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, the tension between AI and energy has become increasingly pronounced. Leaders in AI development such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman have repeatedly expressed in public that the limiting factor for AI development will be the energy crisis. Jensen Huang, the founder of NVIDIA, has publicly stated, “The endgame of AI is photovoltaics and energy storage; don’t just think about computing power. If we only focus on computing, we would need the energy of 14 Earths.” As the world moves towards building an intelligent society, the energy consumption and environmental impact of AI technology development and its applications present complexity and challenges, urgently necessitating a discussion on the impact of AI on the sustainable development of an intelligent society.

    By bringing together experts from various fields, this workshop will discuss how to identify and address the key issues in the sustainable development of the intelligent society transformation driven by AI, develop more environmentally friendly transformation strategies, and ensure the harmonious coexistence of technological development and environmental conservation. Globally, we will face challenges together and explore pathways to a truly intelligent society, using technological innovation to drive social progress while maintaining the ecological balance of the planet.

    Expected Outcomes

    1. Academic Research Initiatives: The workshop is designed to catalyze further academic inquiry into the intersection of AI and sustainability. A particular emphasis will be placed on empowering young scholars to engage with and contribute to this emerging field through their research endeavors.
    2. Policy Engagement and Development: We anticipate that regional government officials will recognize the critical issues discussed during the workshop. These insights are expected to inform their policy-making processes, leading to the creation of policy briefs or internal advisories that reflect the nuanced understanding gained.
    3. Stakeholder Mobilization: The workshop aims to elevate the profile of AI and sustainability challenges among various stakeholders. By doing so, it seeks to foster a broader commitment to addressing these issues, setting the stage for future workshops and seminars that will continue to draw global attention to these critical topics.

    Hybrid Format: 1. Integrated Technology: Utilize high-quality video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which support seamless audio-visual integration. Cameras and microphones will be strategically placed to capture both the speakers and the audience in the classroom, ensuring online participants feel as involved as those onsite.
    2. Interactive Features: Leverage interactive features of the chosen platform, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms. These tools will allow real-time engagement and ensure that online participants can contribute equally to discussions.
    3. Dedicated Online Moderator: Assign a moderator specifically for online attendees. This person will monitor online interactions, relay questions, and ensure that online contributions are addressed by the speakers and onsite audience.
    4. Pre-Session Testing: Conduct a technical rehearsal before the session to ensure all participants can connect without issues and are familiar with the tools being used.