Planetary Limits of AI: Governance for Just Digitalisation? | IGF 2023 Open Forum #37

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The analysis highlights the need for greener AI and ICT development to address their negative impact on the environment. The greenhouse gas emissions generated by top telecom companies were estimated to be 260 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2021. This calls for urgent action to mitigate the environmental impact of these industries.

However, digital transformation shouldn’t be abandoned; instead, it should take environmental considerations into account. AI can play a crucial role in enhancing green transformation and weather forecasting. For example, AI can improve the predictability of demand and supply for renewable energy across a distributed grid, promoting sustainable energy practices.

Additionally, AI can enhance weather forecasting, which has implications for climate action.

Another concerning issue is the significant amount of e-waste generated due to the increase in internet users. It is estimated that over 70 million tons of e-waste will be generated annually by 2023.

Efficient e-waste management practices, including recycling to extract critical raw materials and promote a circular economy, are urgently needed.

Standardization and recommendations for environmental performance and e-waste management are crucial to ensure all stakeholders work towards common environmental goals.

Raising awareness among wider societal groups about the environmental impact of AI and ICT is crucial. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is implementing an AI project to build capacity and awareness among different stakeholders. This inclusive approach enables diverse perspectives to be considered in finding solutions to environmental challenges.

The ITU is also evaluating the environmental resilience and performance of data centers, aiming to improve their sustainability.

While AI technology offers opportunities, it should be integrated with environmental considerations to minimize negative impacts.

Addressing e-waste management requires collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

An area office and innovation center in Delhi is working with SMEs and businesses in India to tackle e-waste management challenges.

Policy and regulatory mechanisms play a significant role in addressing the e-waste issue, ensuring producers take responsibility for proper e-waste management, even if they are not located in the same country as end-users.

Furthermore, proper e-waste disposal practices are essential to prevent environmental and ocean pollution.

Digital inclusion and transformation are crucial for global development.

However, environmental concerns must be considered alongside these goals. Approximately 2.6 billion people are still unconnected, highlighting the digital divide. Bridging this gap while incorporating environmental considerations is essential.

To summarize, addressing the negative impact of AI and ICT on the environment requires greener development practices.

Key areas of concern include greenhouse gas emissions, e-waste generation, and the digital divide. Incorporating environmental considerations into digital transformation, promoting proper e-waste management and recycling, raising awareness, and implementing policy and regulatory mechanisms are vital steps towards a sustainable future.

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The analysis explores different perspectives on technology development, highlighting concerns, and advocates for a proactive approach. The concerns revolve around the necessity and impact of new technologies, with a particular focus on the harms and risks faced by certain communities.

It is noted that significant investments are being made in technology development, but there is a need to address the potential negative consequences associated with these advancements.

One argument raised is the need to rethink the ideology and narrative of growth and development.

There is a call to move away from the traditional approach and consider alternative ways of achieving progress. The emphasis is on the importance of responsible consumption and production, as well as considering the long-term sustainability of new technologies.

Another perspective suggests that countries from the Global South are not prioritising sustainability and climate protection over digitalisation.

It is argued that these nations should focus on addressing environmental concerns and ensure that technological advancements align with sustainable development goals. This observation highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology adoption and an emphasis on considering the environmental impacts.

The analysis also highlights the existing digital divide, with the most advanced centres of research and development and influential companies predominantly located outside the Global South.

This observation points to the power dynamics in the technology sector, indicating that decision-making and agenda-setting are often controlled by entities outside the Global South. This imbalance calls for efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower the Global South to have a greater say in shaping the technological landscape.

In conclusion, the analysis presents a range of perspectives on technology development.

It underscores concerns regarding the impact of new technologies, calls for a re-evaluation of growth narratives, emphasises the need to prioritise sustainability, and highlights the inequality in the technology sector. The analysis also suggests that a proactive approach is necessary to address the challenges and potential negative consequences associated with technology development.

Overall, it provides valuable insights into the complexities of technology’s role in society and the need for a more balanced and responsible approach.

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The analysis explores various perspectives on digital transformation, sustainability, and the environmental impact of technology. One speaker emphasises the need for a human-centric approach to digital transformation, focusing on improving individuals’ lives and preserving the integrity of the Earth. They draw on the metaphor of the Japanese rock garden to describe our relationship with technology.

Additionally, they highlight the importance of considering sustainable development goals and respecting human rights in the use of technology.

Another speaker argues that digitalisation and technology should promote sustainable development goals and uphold human rights. They point out that the German development policy supports the realisation of human rights, protection of climate and biodiversity, gender equality, fair supply chains, and other important aspects.

They propose that a just transition to sustainable economies requires a nurturing approach rather than exploitative practices, drawing parallels with being a “gardener.”

However, concerns are raised about the environmental damage caused by artificial intelligence (AI). The negative sentiment towards AI’s impact on the environment is highlighted, suggesting that we are currently in a state of repair.

Similarly, the negative sentiment towards the industry’s lack of concern for the environmental impact of their activities is expressed. The argument is made that industry needs to consider the environmental impact, aligning with the sustainable development goals related to responsible consumption and production.

The analysis also addresses the lag in legislation and regulation related to technology.

The negative sentiment is expressed, stating that legislation and regulation are often implemented too late. The need for learning and better preparedness for future technologies is emphasised, as well as the positive sentiment towards gaining knowledge from the mistakes of the past.

The role of civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in exerting pressure is highlighted as a means to drive change.

The positive sentiment towards the pressure from civil society and NGOs is expressed, suggesting that their involvement is crucial in advancing sustainability and human rights.

The transformation of the internet is discussed, with references to its evolution from interconnected networks to the oldest among digital technological artifacts.

The neutral sentiment is expressed towards the internet, implying that it can neither be deemed good nor bad. Instead, the focus is on the internet’s role as a foundation for various digital technologies, with artificial intelligence being considered the most recent incarnation.

Overall, the analysis highlights the importance of considering sustainability, human rights, and the environment in digital transformation and technological advancements.

It also underscores the need for a human-centric approach, better industry practices, improved legislation and regulation, preparedness for future technologies, and the involvement of civil society and NGOs in driving positive change. The varying perspectives shed light on the different aspects and challenges associated with digital transformation and its impact on society and the environment.

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The IGF 2023 Open Forum 37 focused on the topic of sustainable development in relation to ICT technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion aimed to address the ecological and social risks associated with the rapid digital transformation.

The panel of speakers included representatives from diverse organisations, such as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, UNDP, Mozilla Corporation, ITU, and the Asian Vision Institute.

These experts shared valuable insights and examples of initiatives aiming to integrate sustainability in ICT technologies and global digital governance, specifically focusing on AI.

One important aspect highlighted during the forum was the need to limit the ecological impact of digital technologies.

The panelists emphasised the growing contribution of digital transformation to greenhouse gas emissions and stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable AI development and deployment. They discussed the need for sustainable aspects to be considered in the development and deployment of digital technologies, including AI, and highlighted the role of digital transformation in addressing the planetary limits of AI.

The speakers discussed various options for action to promote the sustainable development of ICT sectors and technologies, with a specific focus on AI.

They proposed measures such as the development and adoption of green ICT standards to support governments and stakeholders in developing sustainable and circular ICT systems. Examples were shared to illustrate how these standards could contribute to reducing ecological impacts and fostering sustainable practices.

Another key topic of discussion was the role of civil society and business in promoting sustainable AI.

The panelists discussed the specific challenges faced by communities in Africa and Cambodia in adopting and benefiting from AI technologies sustainably. They highlighted the importance of including diverse perspectives and ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all members of society.

Transparency and measurement were also highlighted as crucial factors in achieving sustainable digitalisation.

The need to avoid the risk of greenwashing, where companies make false or exaggerated claims about their environmental practices, was emphasised. The discussion emphasised the importance of accurate measurement and reporting frameworks to assess the ecological impact of digital technologies and ensure genuine sustainability efforts.

The forum concluded with closing statements from each of the speakers, summarising the key points raised during the discussion.

There was an overall agreement on the significance of integrating sustainability in ICT technologies and global digital governance, particularly in the context of AI. The forum provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to drive positive change towards a more sustainable and inclusive digital future.

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Businesses have a crucial role in sustainable AI by investing in environment-friendly partnerships. This involves seeking out and investing in or partnering with organizations that mitigate the climate emergency. Tech companies should also consider the ethical standpoint of their investments.

Making products more efficient and sustainable is another important aspect of sustainability. Mozilla, for example, allows developers using Firefox developer tools to track the carbon emissions of their software. Civil society plays a significant role in educating the public about the climate impacts of technologies like AI.

In Africa, sustainable technological development faces challenges such as limited funding and finance. However, initiatives like Mozilla’s Africa Emrati Project aim to address these barriers. Transparency is vital in sustainability, and digital companies should develop a transparent look at their environmental impacts.

Tech regulators also have a crucial role in enforcing against deceptive greenwashing claims. Making sustainability part of product development can drive sustainable digitalization. Overall, businesses, civil society, tech regulators, and individuals all have important roles to play in promoting sustainable practices in the digital age.

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Digitalization and climate change are identified as the biggest global mega-trends. Developing countries bear a disproportionate burden of climate change and face challenges in terms of digitalization. Although digitalization presents the opportunity for positive action against climate change, it is also contributing to carbon emissions.

Environmental regulations and governance should not be sidelined in the pursuit of rapid digitalization.

It is important that countries prioritize reducing data centre inefficiency and addressing the issue of e-waste. The global north, as a major contributor to technology development, has a responsibility to ensure that the environmental impact of these technologies is minimized.

Forming alliances in global digital governance is crucial.

Initiatives such as the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (COBE) and the AI for the Planet Alliance aim to foster political alignment and promote sustainable approaches in the digital sphere. These alliances recognize the importance of involving diverse stakeholders including the private sector, civil society, and governments.

The value of local digital ecosystems and capacity building is emphasized for addressing sustainability issues.

The global pattern of AI systems often lacks representation and diversity, and local innovators may struggle with financing, skillsets, and access to tools for building locally relevant systems. Strengthening local digital ecosystems can lead to fresh ideas and innovative solutions for sustainability.

Concerns are raised about the lack of representation and diversity in AI systems, particularly generative AI.

The underlying data, or lack thereof, and the training processes contribute to this issue. It is important to address this lack of diversity to ensure that AI systems are fair, inclusive, and do not perpetuate biases or discrimination.

Developing countries may face challenges in prioritising environmental issues due to limited resources.

However, it is important to recognise that the current pattern of environmental issues was created primarily by countries of the global north. It is crucial for these countries to take responsibility and work towards mitigating their impact on the environment.

Advising country partners to consider environmental implications in digitalization is a key recommendation.

Technology should serve people and the planet, rather than exploiting or harming them. The process of digital inclusion and transformation should continue while not forgetting the importance of environmental considerations.

In conclusion, the extended analysis highlights the need for a balanced approach to digitalization and climate change.

Environmental regulations and governance should not be overlooked, and alliances in global digital governance are crucial for promoting sustainability. The importance of local digital ecosystems, diversity in AI systems, and capacity building is emphasized. Furthermore, the responsibility for environmental issues should be acknowledged and addressed by countries of the global north.

Ultimately, technology should be used as a tool to benefit both people and the planet.

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This analysis examines the challenges and progress of sustainable AI in Cambodia. Cambodia has experienced impressive economic growth, with an annual GDP growth rate of 7% over the past 20 years. The country also benefits from a young population, with two-thirds under the age of 30.

The availability of affordable mobile data and Wi-Fi has accelerated digitisation in Cambodia. Moreover, Cambodia has bypassed card payments and adopted mobile payments directly.

However, Cambodia currently lacks specific policies on AI and sustainable AI. The country is learning from regional models and others’ mistakes to develop its own AI framework.

Civil society, represented by AVI Asian Vision Institute, plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s sustainable AI development by providing policy research and capacity building in the digital economy. The institute also focuses on Cambodia’s role as a small state in global governance.

Efficiency evaluation of AI tools and platforms is important as the misconception that AI can solve everything comes at a high cost and can create more problems.

Long-term partnerships and continuous engagement are essential in addressing global issues related to AI and sustainability. However, there is a challenge of lack of follow-up and building on discussed points after high-level international conferences.

AI and sustainability are long-term journeys that require careful legislation and policy development.

Backtracking or catching up from a regulatory standpoint is difficult due to the established nature of AI and sustainability. It is crucial to consider the broader implications of AI beyond just the technology itself.

In conclusion, Cambodia needs comprehensive policies on sustainable AI while capitalising on its progress in digitisation.

Civil society, particularly AVI Asian Vision Institute, plays a vital role in advancing the digital economy. Evaluating the efficiency of AI tools, advocating for long-term partnerships, and focusing on sustainable solutions are crucial for sustainable AI in Cambodia.