Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 12:00-1:00 PM ET | Online via Zoom
Open to the public
Every time you ask ChatGPT a question, something physical happens: servers wake, electricity flows, water cools machines, and a data center somewhere absorbs the cost. But is AI really an environmental villain – or could it become part of the solution?
This fast-moving, story-driven webinar follows a single prompt from your screen into the hidden infrastructure powering it. We will separate myth from science, confront the tradeoffs behind convenience and innovation, and explore practical ways to use AI more responsibly. Expect surprising facts, uncomfortable dilemmas, and a glimpse of what comes next as AI – and the data centers behind it – reshape our planet for everyone.
Event details
- Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
- Time: 12:00-1:00 PM ET
- Format: Online webinar via Zoom
- Audience: Open to the public
- Presenter: Ruopeng An
Continuing Education (CE) credits are provided for licensed social workers and mental health professionals by the NYU Silver School of Social Work.
About the presenter
Ruopeng An is the Constance and Martin Silver Endowed Professor in Data Science and Prevention and Director of the C+M Center on Data Science and Social Equity. He is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior and the American College of Epidemiology and has been listed among the top 2% most-cited scholars by Elsevier/Stanford since 2020.
All are welcome. Our events and initiatives are open to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. This webinar is intended for all individuals who work on or are interested in learning more about artificial intelligence.
It is our priority to make our events inclusive and accessible. Individuals requiring accommodations may indicate them during registration or email silver.cmscenter@nyu.edu at least 72 hours before the event.