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In this episode of Navigating Abroad, Kate Turner, Managing Consultant at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, joins Russ Whitman, Chief Strategy Officer at Launch to discuss Kate's transition from a military career to her current role in ethics consultancy and her forward-looking views on artificial intelligence and the future of technology. Filmed at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival.
Kate Turner is a digital and sustainability focused consultant, working to help government and industry understand, reduce and mitigate the environmental impacts of digital and emerging technology. Her passion for bridging the gap between digital innovation and planetary stewardship has recently led her towards the leadership of technical reports for UK Government departments - synthesizing academic, corporate and policy research on digital sector emissions into actionable recommendations for Government. An ex-military engineering officer, Kate favors the combination of first principles and systems approaches to problems. She has a recent academic background in AI Ethics and Climate Change, having spent time at Yale University as a Visiting Researcher and has a Masters of Practical Ethics from Oxford University studying Practical Ethics.
As technology advances, so does its environmental footprint. From greenhouse gas emissions to biodiversity loss, the digital and emerging technology sectors contribute to significant sustainability challenges. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of their scope, effective measurement strategies, and actionable solutions to reduce their impact.
The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data centers has increased energy consumption and carbon emissions. While these technologies drive innovation, they also demand vast amounts of electricity, much of which still comes from fossil fuels. Additionally, the production and disposal of digital hardware contribute to electronic waste and resource depletion.
Beyond carbon emissions, biodiversity loss is another pressing issue. As industries expand, natural habitats are disrupted, accelerating species extinction. The connection between technological growth and environmental degradation is undeniable, making sustainable innovation a necessity rather than an option.
Understanding the true environmental impact of technology starts with carbon accounting—the process of measuring and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions. By quantifying emissions, organizations can identify areas for improvement and set reduction targets.
A structured approach to tackling sustainability in technology involves:
1. Greener Data Centers
2. Sustainable AI and Cloud Computing
3. Circular Economy for Tech Hardware
4. Biodiversity Conservation in Tech Development
Technology and sustainability don’t have to be at odds. By adopting responsible practices, businesses can drive innovation while reducing their environmental impact. The key is a proactive approach—quantifying emissions, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing sustainable solutions that align with both economic and ecological goals.
Interested in sustainable tech solutions? Contact Launch to explore strategies for reducing your organization’s digital footprint.
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In this episode of Navigating Abroad, Kate Turner, Managing Consultant at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, joins Russ Whitman, Chief Strategy Officer at Launch to discuss Kate's transition from a military career to her current role in ethics consultancy and her forward-looking views on artificial intelligence and the future of technology. Filmed at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival.
Kate Turner is a digital and sustainability focused consultant, working to help government and industry understand, reduce and mitigate the environmental impacts of digital and emerging technology. Her passion for bridging the gap between digital innovation and planetary stewardship has recently led her towards the leadership of technical reports for UK Government departments - synthesizing academic, corporate and policy research on digital sector emissions into actionable recommendations for Government. An ex-military engineering officer, Kate favors the combination of first principles and systems approaches to problems. She has a recent academic background in AI Ethics and Climate Change, having spent time at Yale University as a Visiting Researcher and has a Masters of Practical Ethics from Oxford University studying Practical Ethics.
As technology advances, so does its environmental footprint. From greenhouse gas emissions to biodiversity loss, the digital and emerging technology sectors contribute to significant sustainability challenges. Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of their scope, effective measurement strategies, and actionable solutions to reduce their impact.
The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data centers has increased energy consumption and carbon emissions. While these technologies drive innovation, they also demand vast amounts of electricity, much of which still comes from fossil fuels. Additionally, the production and disposal of digital hardware contribute to electronic waste and resource depletion.
Beyond carbon emissions, biodiversity loss is another pressing issue. As industries expand, natural habitats are disrupted, accelerating species extinction. The connection between technological growth and environmental degradation is undeniable, making sustainable innovation a necessity rather than an option.
Understanding the true environmental impact of technology starts with carbon accounting—the process of measuring and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions. By quantifying emissions, organizations can identify areas for improvement and set reduction targets.
A structured approach to tackling sustainability in technology involves:
1. Greener Data Centers
2. Sustainable AI and Cloud Computing
3. Circular Economy for Tech Hardware
4. Biodiversity Conservation in Tech Development
Technology and sustainability don’t have to be at odds. By adopting responsible practices, businesses can drive innovation while reducing their environmental impact. The key is a proactive approach—quantifying emissions, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing sustainable solutions that align with both economic and ecological goals.
Interested in sustainable tech solutions? Contact Launch to explore strategies for reducing your organization’s digital footprint.
