Title: Green Dreams, Hot Chips: Digitalization and the Environment

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified debate about the environmental implications of digitalization. Some argue that digital tools can help overcome complex environmental problems, including climate; others caution about rising energy demand, material use, and lifecycle emissions. In this talk, Dr. Behnam Zakeri examines the environmental costs and benefits of digitalization, with a deep dive into energy use and related infrastructure. He will review recent trends and plausible future scenarios, offering a critical assessment of what digitalization can achieve at its best and its worst-case risks.

Short bio:
Dr. Zakeri is an Assistant Professor with the Institute for Data, Energy, and Sustainability (IDEaS) at Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). His main focus area is energy transitions and their environmental impact, including the role of digital tech in such transitions. He has been involved in developing energy and climate studies for a dozen countries in different world regions, including scientific advice for international organizations such as the United Nations and Green Climate Fund.

Event Details
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:00 (CET)
Where: Online (link provided upon registration)