In this episode of Sustainability Talks, ETF Partners Managing Partner Rob Genieser sits down with two of the leading voices in responsible and ethical AI: Ray Eitel-Porter and Dr. Paul Dongha, co-authors of the new book Governing the Machine. Together, they explore one of the most urgent and overlooked questions in today’s technology landscape: What is the true environmental cost of AI, and how can responsible AI governance accelerate sustainable innovation?

As AI adoption accelerates—and generative AI becomes embedded in everything from banking to everyday knowledge work—the conversation turns to the growing climate impact of data centers. Ray and Paul break down the hard truths behind AI’s footprint, from rising greenhouse gas emissions and soaring energy use to the escalating water demands required to cool data centers worldwide. They warn of a collision course between AI’s rapid expansion and global sustainability targets, urging companies to integrate environmental considerations directly into their AI governance and risk frameworks.

But this episode isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s a roadmap. Ray and Paul share practical guidance for building trust in AI systems, insights into global regulatory approaches, and a look at how AI can also advance sustainability—from smarter energy grids to more efficient industrial systems.

Whether you’re an AI builder, a sustainability leader, or simply trying to understand the future of responsible technology, this conversation is essential listening.

In this episode you’ll hear:

Why responsible and ethical AI must now include environmental sustainability

The rising CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and water depletion linked to AI

How data center demand is driving new coal-powered generation in some regions

The role of corporations and regulators in shaping ethical AI

The promise of “sustainable AI” and how organisations can measure their AI footprint

The future of AI governance and the rise of agentic AI systems

Key takeaway:

AI’s transformative potential can only be realised responsibly if its environmental impact is managed—ethics and sustainability must evolve together.

Chapters: 

00:00 The Environmental Impact of AI

02:44 Introduction to Responsible AI Governance

06:25 The Evolution of Responsible AI

09:39 Building Trust in AI Systems

12:14 Transparency in AI Governance

14:32 Global Perspectives on AI Regulation

20:20 The Lag of Legislation Behind Technology

22:49 The Role of Corporations in AI Ethics

24:03 Trust in International AI Companies

27:46 The Future of AI and Consumer Trust

30:17 Sustainable AI: A New Paradigm

34:42 AI's Role in Energy Efficiency

37:03 The Future Landscape of AI Governance

Read ‘Governing The Machine’ here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/governing-the-machine-9781399426299  

Follow Ray Eitel-Porter here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayeitelporter   

Follow Dr. Paul Dongha here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dongha/  

Find out more about ETF Partners at: https://etfpartners.capital/