AI is often framed as a climate problem—energy-hungry data centers, ballooning carbon emissions, and talk of nuclear power just to keep the servers running. But could AI also become part of the solution?
In this episode of AI-Curious, we sit down with Josh Dorfman—climate tech entrepreneur and host of Supercool—to explore how artificial intelligence might help tackle climate change. Josh doesn’t offer hand-wavy promises. Instead, we dive into concrete examples where AI is already making a difference.
What we cover:
- [4:17] Josh’s background at the intersection of technology, climate, and business.
- [8:18] How AI data centers are impacting energy use—and why fossil fuels can’t scale to meet demand.
- [12:30] The role of nuclear, geothermal, and solar-plus-storage in powering AI sustainably.
- [23:25] AI-optimized school buses: how Oakland electrified its fleet with fewer vehicles.
- [27:44] BrainBox AI and smarter buildings: cutting emissions through predictive HVAC optimization.
- [31:42] AI in waste management: from pneumatic trash tubes to AI sorting recyclables.
- [41:17] Big-picture futures: AI efficiency, plummeting solar costs, and the possibility of “trivially cheap” energy.
The conversation blends realism with optimism—grounded in the challenges of energy demand, yet hopeful about AI-driven solutions in transportation, buildings, waste, and renewable power.
If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can be more than an energy drain—and instead help drive sustainability—this episode offers both perspective and inspiration.
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