As technological innovation continues to transform our world, there is growing optimism about AI’s potential to contribute to sustainability and climate action. In engineering and urban planning sectors, AI is paving the way for more efficient resource management, optimized infrastructure design, and smarter city planning, all of which are essential for building sustainable and resilient communities.

However, alongside these hopes come significant concerns about the unintended consequences of rapid technological advancement. In this year’s keynote, Prof. Victor Galaz will challenge the prevalent notion that AI can be an unequivocal force for good in the face of climate and environmental crises. While AI has promising applications, its unchecked deployment could accelerate environmental degradation, create intensify inequalities, and exacerbate risks to our planet and its inhabitants.

Following the presentation, an expert panel will weigh the potential of AI for social good, against its possible pitfalls. Discussions will focus on harnessing AI’s promise for creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable futures while also considering the ethical and societal implications of its use.