AI and The Planet – G20 Interfaith Forum

AI and The Planet

July 9, 2026 | 12 PM EST

AI and the Planet

AI can help protect the planet by improving how we monitor ecosystems, predict climate patterns, and manage natural resources. AI harms the planet when its data centers consume massive amounts of electricity, much of which still comes from fossil fuels. The production of AI hardware—especially chips—requires intensive mining, water use, and manufacturing processes that strain ecosystems. As AI models grow larger, their carbon footprint increases, making sustainable design and energy-efficient systems essential for reducing environmental damage. When guided by environmental values, AI becomes a tool that strengthens planetary stewardship rather than straining it.

John C. Havens

John C. Havens was the Founding Executive Director of The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems which was responsible for creating Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Well-being with Autonomous and Intelligent Systems. John helped create the IEEE 7000 Standards Series, the largest suite of international standards focused on Artificial Intelligence and ethical / societal issues to date. John is also the Global Staff Director for The IEEE Planet Positive 2030 Program that produced the Compendium document, Strong Sustainability by Design: Prioritizing Ecosystem and Human Flourishing with Technology-Based Solutions that inspired the creation of the IEEE 7800 Standards Series focused on sustainability and is the author of, Heartificial Intelligence: Embracing Our Humanity To Maximize Machines, Hacking Happiness: Why Your Personal Data Counts and How Tracking it Can Change the World, and Tactical Transparency: How Leaders Can Leverage Social Media to Maximize Value and Build their Brand.