The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential across various sectors, but it also brings significant challenges, particularly regarding its social and environmental impact. A new initiative from the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science aims to investigate these challenges in depth. In partnership with Tamara Kneese and the Data and Society Research Institute, the team has recently secured a two-year, $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This noteworthy project focuses on understanding the effects of large data centers built by AI companies on their surrounding communities and ecosystems.
As AI technologies proliferate, the infrastructure that supports them has become a pressing concern. While many companies and researchers have begun to scrutinize the benefits of AI innovation, the less visible consequences, such as electronic waste, energy consumption, and water usage, often remain overlooked. This partnership aims to shine a light on these issues, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard as governments navigate the crafting of AI regulations and policies.
The research team, led by faculty members Hicks and Reia, will utilize participatory research methods to capture the perspectives of those most affected by AI infrastructure. This approach includes interviewing stakeholders, organizing workshops, and conducting pilot studies that will provide a framework for evaluating AI’s impact on the environment and society. By centering the experiences and insights of local communities, the project not only aims to develop robust assessment frameworks but also seeks to promote responsible AI policy making.
Hicks and Reia have a history of engaging with the question of AI’s societal impacts. Earlier this year, they co-organized a significant conference at the University of Virginia, gathering experts from various fields to share their insights on how historical lessons can inform contemporary approaches to AI challenges. The feedback and data collected during this conference will undoubtedly enrich the current study, allowing the research team to build on established knowledge.
The planned follow-up virtual conference, open to the public on December 6, will expand this dialogue, allowing a broader audience to contribute to the conversation about AI’s societal and environmental dimensions. Public engagement is fundamental to the success of this study, as it raises awareness of the nuanced consequences of AI usage and helps stakeholders understand their role in influencing policy decisions.
It’s essential to recognize that the implications of AI technology go far beyond its primary function. Data centers require significant amounts of energy and water, exacerbating environmental concerns and leading to intense discussions about sustainability. Through this research, the team will investigate these pressing issues, aiming to understand not only the direct impacts of data centers on the environment but also their broader social repercussions.
The NSF’s Responsible Design and Deployment of Technologies program, which this grant falls under, underscores a growing recognition of the need for accountability in technology development. With over $18 million allocated to 44 multidisciplinary research teams across the country, the NSF is facilitating crucial work in the field of responsible technology implementation. This initiative not only emphasizes the ethical dimensions of technological advancement but also aims to incorporate diverse perspectives.
As the research team engages with local communities, a critical element will be focusing on electronic waste, often viewed as a necessary sacrifice for technological innovation. Efforts to understand the lifecycle of electronic products used in AI systems and the processes involved in their disposal or recycling will be essential. There is a pressing need to address the global issue of e-waste, which poses significant environmental and health risks. By including community perspectives, the team aims to uncover innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges.
Furthermore, the work of Reia as faculty co-lead for the Karsh Institute’s Digital Technology for Democracy Lab aligns well with the objectives of this project. Earlier this year, Reia also explored environmental and digital rights issues related to the integration of big data systems in automobiles, demonstrating a commitment to understanding how digital technologies intersect with issues of equity and justice.
In summarizing the importance of this research initiative, it highlights a critical intersection of technology, environment, and society. The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of how AI can be developed and deployed in a manner that is not only beneficial but also responsible. As governments respond to the rapid changes brought forth by AI technology, the insights generated from this research will be invaluable in shaping a future where innovation does not come at the expense of the communities it impacts.
Ultimately, the findings could influence policy measures at local, state, and national levels, contributing to frameworks that promote both technological progress and ecological sustainability. The landscape of AI continues to evolve, but proactive research efforts like this serve as a reminder of our responsibility to ground innovation in an ethic of care for both people and the planet.
