AI for the Planet Debate
**Events may have been canceled or postponed. Please contact the venue to confirm the event.
Date & Time
Tue, Apr 21 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Address (map)
102 E Yanonali St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Venue (website)
Validation Ale
AI for the Planet Debate presented by NCEAS & the UCSB Affiliates
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
6:00 PM at Validation Ale (Funk Zone)
Join us for an evening of lively conversation as we debate the question:
“Will artificial intelligence be a net benefit for the planet?”
Two leading voices in environmental science and technology, NCEAS Director Ben Halpern and Haveli Investments’ Chief Sustainability Officer Lucas Joppa, will take opposing sides on the question, exploring the promise and potential risks of AI for addressing environmental challenges.
From biodiversity monitoring and climate modeling to energy use and unintended consequences, they will make the case for why AI could help or harm the future of our planet.
After the debate, the audience will join the conversation, ask questions, and vote on who made the most convincing argument.
Since 1995, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) has been a global leader in environmental data science—ranking in the top 1% of ecological research institutions.
We accelerate discoveries that deepen understanding of our planet and drive solutions for people and nature.
Learn more at nceas.ucsb.edu
The UCSB Affiliates is led by a volunteer board of community members and campus representatives passionate about creating innovative and community- centered programming.
The goal of the UCSB Affiliates is to build and celebrate connections between UC Santa Barbara and the greater Santa Barbara community.
We provide a pathway for community members to learn more about UC Santa Barbara and participate in campus activities.
Through our events and newsletters, we highlight exciting campus-community partnerships and initiatives.
Learn more at communityrelations.ucsb.edu/ucsb-affiliates
