Environmental contradictions of large language models in higher education

James O'Sullivan; Mark Kelly

Environmental contradictions of large language models in higher education

James O'Sullivan
, Mark Kelly

School of English and Digital Humanities

Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Featured article

Abstract

Universities are racing to adopt AI, even as its environmental costs remain largely obscured. Can higher education pursue responsible innovation while upholding sustainability and its commitment to the public good.

Original language	English (Ireland)
Specialist publication	UNESCO Ideas LAB
Publication status	Published - 2025

Keywords

large language models
higher education
sustainability
GenAI
generative AI

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/environmental-contradictions-large-language-models-higher-education

Cite this

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title = "Environmental contradictions of large language models in higher education",

abstract = "Universities are racing to adopt AI, even as its environmental costs remain largely obscured. Can higher education pursue responsible innovation while upholding sustainability and its commitment to the public good.",

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AU - Kelly, Mark

PY - 2025

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AB - Universities are racing to adopt AI, even as its environmental costs remain largely obscured. Can higher education pursue responsible innovation while upholding sustainability and its commitment to the public good.

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KW - generative AI

M3 - Featured article

JO - UNESCO Ideas LAB

JF - UNESCO Ideas LAB

ER -

Environmental contradictions of large language models in higher education

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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Cite this