Transition templates: AI and digital pathways to net zero+

Boehnert, J ORCID: 0000-0002-8990-0325 and Alexander, A (2025) 'Transition templates: AI and digital pathways to net zero+.' Proceedings of Relating Systems Thinking and Design, RSD13. e18.

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Abstract

AI can be seen as the ultimate and most extreme manifestation of extractive technological accelerationism. The prodigious energy demands of running AI infrastructure threaten to eclipse the decarbonisation agenda, as the construction of new data centres multiplies energy use. The AI & Digital sector is one of five sectors under review in the Transition Templates: Pathways to Net Zero+ research project. Transition Template (TT) maps decarbonisation pathways in a four-step process. In this report, we describe how we use this preliminary TT process, as described in greater detail in a second RSD13 TT report, to map energy pathways for the AI & Digital sector. AI & digital futures will be determined by the material and energy requirements of digital technologies to a degree that remains underexplored. Using tools including the Transition Templates Four Future Framework (TT-FFF), the research focuses attention on the ecological context and consequences of AI & Digital in ways that explore the aspirations and promises of AI while considering boundaries of resource and energy requirements. We focus on any possible decarbonisation of the sector, while keeping in mind how this sector’s energy demands impact the renewable energy requirements of other sectors. The TT Four Future Framework pushes the AI & Digital Net Zero+ enquiry into space for our (hoped-for) capacity for planetary regeneration.

Item Type:	Article
Note:	From the proceedings for the Relating Systems Thinking and Design symposium held on 12-26 October 2024 in Oslo, Norway.
UN SDGs:	Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Goal 13: Climate Action Goal 14: Life Below Water Goal 15: Life on Land Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Keywords:	AI, digital, futures, climate change, decarbonisation, net zero, mapping, templates, transitions, pathways, transition design, systemic design, futures
Divisions:	Bath School of Design
Research Centres and Groups:	Design Research Group
Date Deposited:	02 Mar 2026 19:28
Last Modified:	02 Mar 2026 19:34
ISSN:	2371-8404
URN:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/17595

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