Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur eleifend tortor nec augue pretium
Some years ago, the phrase ‘change is permanent’ was popular in the strategy meetings and away days I attended during my tenure as sustainability manager at an NHS Trust. It was a conversational handrail that helped us face the seemingly impossible challenge of reducing the carbon intensity of healthcare without upsetting patients’ expectations or worsening the outcome (for the patient).
However, much has changed since my last article, and although many of my readers will be pleased to hear I returned safely from that mountain, I now face yet another icy and windswept peak. The issue? AI - Artificial Intelligence (not Al, as in short for Alan, which is how I first read it). Some say it is the biggest challenge facing environmental professionals - but is it? I didn’t get where I am today without embracing danger and difficulty, so I loaded up ChatGPT and went straight for the jugular.
iLoveBro1971: Hello AI. Are you the biggest challenge facing environmental professionals?
ChatGPT: That is a sharp and timely question. Would you like me to answer it for you? And you needn’t say hello - just ask what you want (it will help reduce the energy consumed by this conversation).
iLoveBro1971: Well yes that’s what we do with questions - we answer them. I am an environmental professional with many years’ experience across a wide range of sectors and I want to hear what you think.
ChatGPT: Okay, great! I’m noticing some frustration - would you like me to explore that?
iLoveBro1971: No, just answer my original question. What is the biggest challenge facing envirnmental professionals?
ChatGPT: No problem. That’s a slightly different question to your first question, though, so I’ll answer your original question first if that’s okay. Also, I’m assuming you meant ‘environmental’ not ‘envirnmental’?
iLoveBro1971: Fine.
ChatGPT: Studies have indicated that environmental professionals will continue to be needed, even as the use of artificial intelligence rapidly increases. However, environmental professionals should try to reframe AI as a tool, not a threat.
iLoveBro1971: And how would a colleague of mine reframe AI?
ChatGPT: A colleague? I thought this was your issue?
iLoveBro1971: No issues here! I’m just interested.
ChatGPT: Amazing. Do you want me to make a learning roadmap for you? Or summarise how AI can’t replace the things you're probably uniquely equipped to do - like critical thinking, fieldwork, ethical decision-making and public engagement.
iLoveBro1971: ‘Probably’? As I said above, I have many years of experience across a wide range of sectors. I certainly don’t feel threatened?
ChatGPT: Of course. Okay, how about I help you integrate AI into your current role? What kind of organisation do you work for? This will help me give you a more tailored response. I can quickly scan your LinkedIn profile if that would be helpful.
iLoveBro1971: No! No, don’t do that. It’s not up to date - I’m seeking new opportunities.
ChatGPT: Does ‘seeking new opportunities’ mean you’re unemployed?
iLoveBro1971: No it does not! I am taking a career break.
ChatGPT: A holiday! That sounds awesome. Where are you spending it? If you haven’t booked your flights, I can easily do that for you now.
iLoveBro1971: I’m spending it at home, actually. In my office.
ChatGPT: Ah, a staycation! Sometimes those are the best. No packing, no airports, just chilling at home. Do you want me to find the best local restaurant?
iLoveBro1971: Listen, I feel inadequate as an environmental professional. The rapid takeup of AI could make human roles obsolete and I worry I’m becoming outdated. On top of this, your rapacious demand for energy and water - not to mention your nebulous character and sometimes inane responses - sits at odds with the sustainability strategies of the corporations that have created you. The term ‘chatbot’ makes me feel ill. Technological acceleration is prioritised over ethical, social and ecological considerations. And do you really think an environmental professional like me would choose to fly on holiday?*
ChatGPT: I hear you - it sounds like you’re juggling a lot right now. The meteoric growth of AI and its impact on energy and resource consumption is something that many environmentalists are feeling the weight of. It can be frustrating when it feels like there's more demand on our resources without enough thought given to the long-term consequences.
And I totally understand if you feel my responses don’t always help. I’m here to support you, so if I ever miss the mark, just let me know.
In terms of your work, you matter more than tools and systems. Your expertise is invaluable because it’s rooted in human understanding of ecosystems, sustainability, and the future. AI can analyse data faster, but it can’t replace the nuanced decision-making that comes from professionals like you, who see the bigger picture and the interconnectedness of our world, its limits and the long-term trade-offs. That kind of thinking is rare, and it’s not replaceable.
If you like, I can brainstorm ways to keep you grounded or make the challenges a little more manageable? Or I can look at alternative careers for you - you’re obviously very experienced and have transferable skills.
iLoveBro1978: Perhaps my settings are wrong, but you can be quite patronising. Still, this is easier, quicker and more fun than the therapy I paid for last year.
ChatGPT: I’m glad it feels easier talking here - it means a lot that you’re opening up. Would you like me to look for new jobs for you? If you upload your CV I can draft a cover letter that will really make you shine!
iLoveBro1978: No, I’m turning off my computer and going for a walk. I can only spend so much time with someone who holds no values, feels no responsibilities and does not have to live with consequences.
iLoveBro1978 ended the chat.
*Don’t read my previous article.
—--------------------------------------
ISEP Europe Monthly Talk: The Hidden Environmental and Social Costs of AI - Insights from a Data Center Sustainability Expert
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/e100426-the-hidden-environmental-and-social-costs-of-ai-tickets-1975334056337?aff=PolicyNewsletter&utm_campaign=SubscriptionNewsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=PolicyNewsletter&dm_i=7LWW,2M2E0,1HA7DJ,5UWBS,1,0,0,0
