Dalcher, Darren (2025) The ethics of sustainable AI : Empowering responsible innovation in digital learning and beyond. In: UNSPECIFIED.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in digital infrastructure, its dual role in driving climate-positive innovation and contributing to environmental and human costs demands urgent ethical scrutiny. This paper explores the ethical dimensions of sustainable AI, with a particular focus on its implications for e-learning, professional practice, and global climate strategy. Drawing on recent research and case studies, we examine how AI can support smart energy systems, climate resilience, and sustainable logistics—while also interrogating the hidden carbon footprint of model training, data centre operations, and exploitative human labour practices. We highlight the evolving responsibilities of IT professionals and educators in shaping AI systems that balance performance, scalability, and social value. The paper proposes actionable frameworks for ethical stewardship, including procurement guidelines, lifecycle analysis, and the integration of sustainability principles into curriculum design and professional development. By aligning AI with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Earth Charter, we advocate for a future where digital innovation supports both planetary and human flourishing. This presentation will be of interest to educators, technologists, and policy-makers seeking to embed ethical and environmental responsibility into the design, deployment, and teaching of AI systems.