2024: SustAInability

Climate Change and AI: Implications for Business and Society

The annual Trinity Business Forum took place at Trinity Business School on Thursday, 7 March, 2024.

Climate change and the advent of Artificial Intelligence are undeniably two phenomena that have profound effect on humanity. AI is already transforming the way we live, work, and communicate while climate change will require further adaptation in behaviour, culture, and societal structures. At the business level, AI and climate action are too often considered separately. In reality, they sometimes represent dilemma (e.g. Data centres powering AI computations consume large amounts of electricity contributing to greenhouse gas emission) or synergies (e.g. Enhanced energy modelling and Efficiency, climate finance). Both phenomena hit individuals and societies simultaneously and present a sea of challenges for the future.

This year, all proceeds from this event went to Pathways to Business, a collaboration between Trinity Business School and Trinity Access Programme (TAP), focused on providing financial, academic, and career supports to students from underrepresented areas to pursue general business careers.

We even had an Irish Rugby jersey, signed by the 2023 World Cup Team (complete with a certificate of authenticity), which went to the highest donation received on the day!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day and engaged in a critical conversation on how AI and climate change are reshaping business and society.