
Shaolei Ren
Associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Riverside. He studies the environmental impact of generative AI.
Best podcasts with Shaolei Ren
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18 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 20min
Campus: Pros and cons of AI in higher education
Joining the discussion are Shaolei Ren, an expert in AI's environmental impacts at UC Riverside; José Bowen, co-author of a practical guide on teaching with AI; and Shushma Patel, pro vice-chancellor for AI at De Montfort University. They explore the environmental costs of AI, including its significant water footprint, and argue for a balanced approach to its integration in higher education. The conversation covers strategies for sustainable AI implementation, the need for AI literacy among educators, and the transformative potential of AI for personalized learning experiences.

Jun 4, 2025 • 32min
is using AI worse than driving a car?
Shaolei Ren, an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Riverside, examines the hidden costs of AI. They discuss the environmental footprint of AI compared to conventional transport, highlighting issues like energy consumption and air pollution. Ren emphasizes the overlooked water usage in data centers, particularly in water-scarce areas. The conversation calls for transparency among tech companies and better public awareness of AI's sustainability challenges, urging a reevaluation of its role in our lives.