Skills in the age of AI

Contributor(s): Dr Melissa Chapman, Amy Fisher, Sylvan Lutz, David McNeil, Professor Carmen Nuzzo | Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are versatile technologies that have drastically lowered the cost of data production and analysis, potentially accelerating global decarbonisation and addressing socioeconomic issues. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding their environmental impact and the risk of propagating low-quality information, especially with large language models (LLMs). Like any tool, AI can yield both positive and negative outcomes. As the demand for real-time data increases for the net-zero transition, the Transition Pathway Initiative Centre (TPI Centre) at LSE is navigating this challenge. While AI could help process the necessary data for net zero alignment, unchecked reliance on automation may lead to misinformation and greenwashing, jeopardising sound decision-making. This event will explore the TPI Centre’s pilot programme aimed at automating data collection to evaluate the net-zero progress of companies, banks, and countries. By bringing together academics, researchers, investors and businesses, we hope to foster discussions on the information essential for advancing the net-zero transition.Featured image (used in source code with watermark added): Photo by Getty Images via Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/3d-rendering-of-earth-futuristic-technology-abstract-background-illustration-60_6d24hGTg 

Contributor(s): Adejoké Bakare, Dipo Faloyin, Dr Edwini Kwame Kessie, Professor David Luke | Food is family, food is fuel, nourishment, cultural and fundamental. Connections made through food are an effective way to change minds, shift narratives, and amend policies to guard against food deprivation seen in many parts of Africa today. As explored in David Luke’s new book How Africa Eats, this diverse panel of tastemakers will explore the history of African cuisine; production and distribution, as well as considering the factors which may disrupt these; food security, food trade, and climate risks. 

Contributor(s): Kofi Mawuli Klu, Lidia Thorpe, Dr Imaobong Umoren | How can we reckon with the complex and painful legacies of the British Empire? What would it mean to create an international truth-telling commission, and why is this conversation so urgent today? This event explores the vision for a Peoples' International Truth-Telling Commission on the British Empire - a platform to uncover historical injustices, amplify voices silenced by colonial histories, and challenge enduring inequalities. The Commission will foster dialogue and accountability that transcends national borders, acknowledging the shared but unequal impacts of empire on the Global South and North alike.

Contributor(s): Roger Highfield, Suhair Khan, Isabel Losada, Professor Michael Muthukrishna | Where should we look for optimism about the future? Our final panel come together to share some of the ideas, innovations and discoveries that could shape the world to come for the better.

Contributor(s): William Dalrymple | How did ancient India transform the world and what lessons can we learn for the future? Historian and best-selling author William Dalrymple will be in conversation with Professor in Social Anthropology at LSE, Mukulika Banerjee.This recording contains strong language.