TED Tech Tech Solutions (#2): How to balance the AI boom and environmental responsibility (with Juan M. Lavista Ferres)
Nov 14, 2025
Juan M. Lavista Ferres, Chief Scientist at Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, shares his insights on balancing AI advancements with environmental responsibility. He discusses how AI can reduce deforestation and optimize healthcare at lower costs. Juan emphasizes Microsoft's commitment to achieving carbon negativity and using AI for conservation, like detecting methane leaks and enhancing sustainable agriculture. He also highlights the power of technology to empower partners and improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
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AI's Current Energy Share Is Small
- Data centers consume about 1.5% of global electricity and generate roughly 0.6% of emissions.
- Today, only a very small fraction of that energy use is from AI compute.
Electrification Drives Future Energy Demand
- AI compute demand will grow, but overall electricity demand will rise mainly from electrification like transport.
- Society must ensure that this additional electricity comes from renewable sources.
Commit To Renewables For Real Impact
- Microsoft commits to be carbon negative by 2030 and links emissions to how electricity is generated.
- Use renewable energy sourcing to reduce AI and data center climate impact.