CEE 176K: Generative AI and Climate Action: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Course Description

Generative AI shows tremendous potential to address climate change impacts. Yet, the data centers required to support AI can pose a threat to our environment. This raises the question: How do we utilize the effectiveness of generative AI without doing more harm than good? This course will provide a high-level overview of the potentials and pitfalls of generative AI for meaningful climate action. Guest speakers from Silicon Valley working in sustainability and computing will be invited to share insights into interdisciplinary challenges, emerging opportunities, and career pathways. Topics will include AI-driven tools for decarbonization, responsible AI development, and energy-efficient data center expansion. The course may also include a field trip to Stanford's Central Energy Facility to explore how these topics are applied within large-scale energy systems. The course is open to students from all backgrounds. No prior computer science orgenerative AI experience is needed.