Jennifer Turliuk

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping energy systems, infrastructure, and decision-making - often with profound but underexamined climate impacts. From data center emissions and water use to algorithmic influence on climate policy, markets, and communities, AI is increasingly embedded in the systems driving climate risk and response.

This talk explores AI and climate through the lenses of law, governance, justice, and ethics. Drawing on research, teaching, and legal work, it examines where existing legal frameworks fall short, how governance mechanisms are emerging in the absence of regulation, and why justice must be central to any sustainable AI strategy.

The talk concludes by outlining practical pathways for governing AI’s climate impacts, including regulatory design, institutional accountability, and ethical frameworks that move beyond voluntary principles toward real-world impact.