NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The EPA has reportedly drafted a plan to eliminate all limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. Now, with the rise of artificial intelligence technology, demand on power plants is increasing, in large part due to AI’s reliance on data centers. Ali Rogin speaks with Kenza Bryan, climate reporter for The Financial Times, for more.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Kenza Bryan, and what is her background?
- How is AI impacting the environment, according to Bryan?
- Why do AI data centers require so much energy?
- What are scientists and researchers doing to help regulate energy use?
- Which companies claim to be buyers of the cleanest energy?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Based off this lesson, what predictions can you make about AI and clean energy? Do you think AI will be an increasing environmental risk, or do you think technology will adapt to reduce the risk?
- What steps do you think professionals should take to prevent AI from further harming the environment?
Media literacy: Do you think the impacts of AI have been covered enough in the media? What questions do you have about its impact (on the environment or other aspect of our lives) that still are unanswered?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Discuss as a class or with friends and family:
- How has AI impacted your life? Do you feel like you work or play differently thanks to AI?
- What fears and hopes do you have about AI as it becomes more sophisticated?
You can also watch this segment to inspire a discussion on what AI might be capable of in the future.
Written by Payton Alfieri, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Episcopal High School, and News Hour's Luke Gerwe.
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