Talking About Transitions features critical conversations on systemic transitions at the interplay of technology, society and sustainability. Our Dialogue series provides a platform for thinking together about three major areas of change and challenge - urbanisation, climate change and digitalisation.

This dialogue, “Imagining Sustainable AI Futures”, brought together researchers and practitioners working across AI governance, sustainability, digital cultures, and public policy to examine what sustainable and equitable AI futures could look like, particularly in Global South contexts.

As governments and corporations rapidly expand investments in artificial intelligence, AI is increasingly positioned as a tool for economic growth, climate action, public innovation, and development. From large language models to data centres and digital infrastructures, countries across the world are accelerating efforts to scale AI capabilities and secure technological leadership.

At the same time, the discussion highlighted that the rapid expansion of AI raises urgent environmental, social, and political concerns. AI systems rely on resource-intensive infrastructures that consume significant amounts of energy and water, depend on extractive mineral supply chains, and contribute to growing electronic waste. Beyond these material impacts, panelists reflected on how AI development can reinforce inequalities around labour, governance, access, and decision-making power, particularly for communities in the Global South.

The dialogue emphasised that sustainability cannot be understood only through technical efficiency or carbon reduction. Sustainable AI futures must also address questions of inclusion, public accountability, cultural preservation, labour rights, and democratic participation. The discussion explored how dominant models of AI development often prioritise speed, scale, and competition while overlooking local realities, public needs, and community voices.

Drawing on examples from India, Brazil, and broader Global South contexts, panelists reflected on the importance of moving beyond top-down approaches to AI governance. The conversation highlighted the need for participatory policymaking, stronger public institutions, locally grounded innovation ecosystems, and greater involvement of affected communities in shaping technological futures.

The discussion also explored how cultural and creative industries reveal the contradictions of AI systems. While AI tools may expand opportunities for experimentation and creative participation, they also raise concerns around labour precarity, platform dependency, cultural homogenisation, and invisible infrastructures.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated, multi-level action across governance, research, civil society, and public institutions. Strengthening sustainable AI futures will depend on centring affected communities, expanding democratic participation, investing in public capacities, and ensuring that AI systems are designed around collective wellbeing rather than extractive growth.

This dialogue aimed to examine:

• The environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of AI sustainability.
• Governance challenges, inequalities, and infrastructural dependencies emerging through rapid AI expansion.
• Alternative approaches to AI development grounded in local needs, participation, and public accountability.
• Practical pathways for building more inclusive and equitable AI futures.

Link to the full webinar: https://youtu.be/NHF2794aU78?si=PZM_Ahe-MV3HCSBZ