SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast Episode 4: “AI’s Double-Edged Sword: Navigating Environmental Impact and Opportunity”

In the fourth episode of the SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast, host Ahlia Bethea dives into the urgent and complex intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability with guests Shaolei Ren (Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of California, Riverside) and Will Kletter (COO at ClimateAi). Together, they explore the environmental costs and transformative potential of AI, from the resource demands of large language models to the promise of predictive modeling in enhancing climate resilience.  

The episode clarifies key AI concepts, including generative AI, large language models, and predictive analytics, while addressing big-picture questions: Can AI help us adapt to a warming planet? What regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure its responsible deployment? And how can the tech community collaborate with policymakers and scientists to build a more sustainable digital future? 

Click HERE to listen to the full episode. The podcast is available on Spotify, iHeart, Youtube, and Amazon. Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR.