Greener Intelligence? The Environmental Costs of AI and the Path to Sustainable Innovation

As artificial intelligence and related technologies such as cloud computing and data centers become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, questions about their environmental impact are growing more urgent. What are the true ecological costs of these tools? What steps can we take to reduce harm and innovate more sustainable solutions?

Join Temple University Libraries and the Office of Sustainability for a timely panel discussion exploring the complex intersection of AI and environmental sustainability. Experts from law, philosophy, computer science, and information technology will bring diverse perspectives to this critical conversation on how we can chart a path toward "green AI."

Panelists:

Laura Bingham, J.D., M.A.
Practice Professor of Law and Executive Director, Institute for Law, Innovation, and Technology, Temple Law School

An internationally recognized expert in nationality and migration law, Professor Bingham brings a social justice perspective to technology and sustainability.

Larry Brandolph
Vice President for Information Technology, Temple University

Oversees Temple’s IT infrastructure and cybersecurity strategy, aligning technology goals with the university’s broader mission and sustainability efforts.

Brian Hutler, J.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Temple University

Specializes in political philosophy, bioethics, and the philosophy of law, with research focused on human rights and global governance—offering a critical ethical lens on the development of AI.

Sudhir Kumar, Ph.D.
Laura H. Carnell Professor and Director, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM)

Leads innovative work integrating machine learning with biology while advocating for greener data practices and reproducible science.

Moderator:

Jonathan Latko
Assistant Vice President, Information Technology Services, Temple University

Founder of Temple’s Computer Recycling Center and a long-time advocate for sustainable technology practices.