Towards Conscious AI: The Role of Computer Sciences in the Energy, Social, and Ethical Sustainability of Artificial Intelligence
Abstract
Artificial intelligence has transformed multiple sectors, but its rapid growth brings significant energy, environmental, social, and ethical challenges. To achieve true sustainability, computer science must integrate technical optimization, computational ethics, and social governance. On the energy side, key approaches include pruning, quantization, smaller models, greener infrastructures, and decentralized methods such as federated learning, which reduce consumption and emissions. Social and ethical sustainability requires frameworks that incorporate transparency, fairness, human values, and context-aware metrics to evaluate justice and explainability. Sustainable AI depends on combining energy efficiency with social responsibility, supported by future priorities such as social metrics, integrated auditing tools, renewable-aligned infrastructures, and participatory governance models.
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