Replay - Talking ESG: Can AI be sustainable?

PwC's accounting podcast

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We are revisiting a conversation on Talking ESG that was originally recorded in September at NYC Climate Week to highlight our host and guest appearing together on The Atlantic's podcast, The Most Interesting Thing In A.I. In both episodes, they examine the intersection of two trending topics: AI and sustainability, discussing the environmental impact of AI and the balance between AI's benefits and its environmental footprint.
Listen in to this reissued episode in which Scott Likens, PwC Global Chief AI Engineer, and host Heather and Horn discuss:

• 3:17 – How AI is impacting sustainability
• 8:54 – Why AI and sustainability aren’t necessarily opposing forces
• 17:28 – Practical examples of utilizing AI to optimize energy usage
• 28:22 – The broader benefits of using AI to impact sustainability
• 31:05 – Balancing AI’s benefits with its environmental footprint
• 38:32 – Advice for both companies and individuals leveraging AI

Also listen as Heather and Scott were guests on The Atlantic's The Most Interesting Thing In A.I. podcast hosted by Nicholas Thompson. In that episode, they expanded the dialogue on AI and its role in addressing climate concerns to further examine the balance between leveraging AI for progress and mitigating its environmental impact.
Looking for more from PwC on AI? Check out PwC’s 2024 US Responsible AI Survey and 2025 AI Business Predictions.
Scott Likens is the Global and US Chief AI Engineer leading and overseeing the AI Engineering and Emerging Technology teams in the United States. With more than 30 years of emerging technology experience, he has helped clients transform their customer experience and enhance their digital operations across all aspects of their business.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

Chapters

1. Replay - Talking ESG: Can AI be sustainable? (00:00:00)

2. How AI is impacting sustainability (00:03:17)

3. Why AI and sustainability aren’t necessarily opposing forces (00:08:54)

4. Practical examples of utilizing AI to optimize energy usage (00:17:28)

5. The broader benefits of using AI to impact sustainability (00:28:22)

6. Balancing AI’s benefits with its environmental footprint (00:31:05)

7. Advice for both companies and individuals leveraging AI (00:38:32)