AI’s Hidden Footprint: The Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world—but at what environmental cost? This panel uncovers the hidden material and energy demands behind AI technologies, from data centres and resource extraction to e-waste and carbon emissions. Bringing together leading researchers and advocates, the event explores how law, ethics, and environmental governance can mitigate AI’s ecological footprint. Speakers will discuss how we can make AI innovation compatible with sustainability and justice, engaging the public in a conversation about the green future of technology. 

This event is suitable for the general public, students, and professionals interested in technology, sustainability, and ethics. 

About our speakers 

This panel event will be led by ARU’s Dr Sebastian Smart, who will be joined by the following speakers: 

Dr Grace Livingstone is a journalist and academic, specializing in Latin American affairs.   She has reported for the BBC World Service, The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent on Sunday and the New Statesman.  She is an affiliated lecturer at the Centre of Latin American Studies, University of Cambridge. 

Dr Emiliano Trere is a Reader in Data Agency and Media Ecologies in the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) at Cardiff University, UK. He is a widely cited author in digital activism, social movement, critical data and disconnection studies with a special focus on Latin America and the Global South. Emiliano has authored two books and published more than 80 publications in 7 languages in peer-reviewed publications. He is also one of the co-directors of the Data Justice Lab and the co-founder of the ‘Big Data from the South’ Initiative. His book Hybrid Media Activism (Routledge, 2019) won the Outstanding Book Award of the ICA Interest Group ‘Activism, Communication and Social Justice’. 

Natascha Hospedales is a leader in sustainable AI, an expert on AI Policy, Law, and Regulation Emissions Reductions and Sustainable AI Governance working at ClientEarth 

Nai Lee Kalema Nai Lee Kalema is a PhD candidate in Innovation and Public Policy at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP). Nai's doctoral research looks at the global political economy of digital transformation, specifically examining how global digital and AI governance influences public-sector digital transformation and digital governments in the Global South. 

Event presented as part of the Cambridge Festival. 

[VS 15.12.25]

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Host or Publisher Anglia Ruskin University - Community Engagement