Our recent event, AI and Sustainability: Innovation or Environmental Risk? on 7 October, brought together an exceptional lineup of industry leaders and academics to unpack one of today’s most pressing questions — will artificial intelligence accelerate our journey to net zero, or amplify environmental risk?

Hosted by NORTH Link in collaboration with the La Trobe Business School, the session featured a powerful panel discussion featuring:

• Mahesh Krishnan, CTO, Fujitsu Oceania

• Prof. Damminda Alahakoon, Director, CDAC, La Trobe University

• Erika Hughes, Co-Owner & Commercial Director, Integra Systems

• Simon Colman, Director, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, EY

The discussion delved into the environmental footprint of data centres, AI’s role in improving supply chain efficiency, advances in climate modelling, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents for sustainability.

Attendees walked away with practical case studies, actionable insights, and a renewed understanding of how to leverage AI as a force for positive environmental change — while being mindful of its potential costs.

A big thank you to all our speakers, partners, and attendees for making this event a resounding success and for contributing to such an engaging dialogue on technology’s role in shaping a sustainable future.

Event Photos