Contact person: Henrik Skaug Sætra
Keywords: Twin transition; Sustainability; socio-technical systems
Research group: Regenerative Technologies (RT)
Department of Informatics
We are amid two simultaneous transitions: the digital and the green transition. While the green transition is a response to the climate- and nature-related challenges we currently face, the digital transition is driven by technological development and rapid increases in compute power. The twin transition is now a key strategic priority for Europe, pointing to the need to ensure that the digital revolution contributes to a successful green transition. However, digital technologies have a set of negative environmental impacts associated with the material side of computing, training AI models, and energy usage in the use phase. Consequently, any positive environmental contribution by digital technology must more than outweigh its cost, but there is currently a lack of methods and knowledge to evaluate this tradeoff. Furthermore, using, for example, AI to optimize processes is not a neutral process, as the increased use of digital technology changes complex sociotechnical systems.
Research topics:
- Methods of assessment and communication of the environmental implications of technology
- Studies of AI use cases for climate change mitigation and adaption, with a focus on understanding the trade-offs related to benefits and costs
- Systems analysis showing how the increased use of digital technologies changes socio-technical systems
Mentoring and internship will be offered by a relevant external partner.