brAInfood: What is the connection between sustainability and AI

Publication date: April 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on using AI for sustainability. AI can play a role in reaching important goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. More attention is given also to sustainability of AI-systems themselves. All the more since the emergence of generative AI.

But what do terms such as 'sustainable AI' and 'sustainability' mean? It is important to ensure a common understanding to avoid misuse and confusion. In this brAInfood we try to clarify the concepts surrounding sustainability and AI. This BrAInfood was created in collaboration with Sophia Falk (University of Bonn - Sustainable AI Lab).

With brAInfood, the Knowledge Centre Data & Society wants to provide easily accessible information about artificial intelligence. brAInfood is available under a CC BY 4.0 license, which means that you can reuse and remix this material, provided that you credit us as the source.

Cover photo by Alan Warburton / © BBC / Better Images of AI / Plant / CC-BY 4.0