AI and Sustainability: Gen Z, Redefining Digital Revolution | Jil Sheth | TEDxHeriot Watt University
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, its environmental cost is coming into sharp focus; yet so too is its potential to drive transformative solutions for sustainability. At the heart of this paradox stands Generation Z: the first truly digital-native cohort, and the most climate-conscious in history. Far from being passive users, Gen Z are creators, watchdogs, and reformers, demanding that technology serves both people and planet.
This talk explores how Gen Z is uniquely redefining the intersection of AI and sustainability. It examines the hidden environmental footprint of AI, from surging energy use to water-intensive data centres, and how these challenges are being confronted by a generation unwilling to accept business as usual. Through vivid case studies, the talk will spotlight youth-led climate tech startups, digital activism campaigns, and innovative uses of AI for environmental good, from precision agriculture to real-time climate monitoring.
It will also discuss how Gen Z’s consumer choices and workplace activism are compelling multinational corporations to prioritise transparency, ethical AI, and sustainable design. As Gen Z’s economic and cultural influence grows, their values are reshaping not only the narrative but the very infrastructure of the digital revolution.
Gen Z is not just responding to the challenges of AI—they are rewriting the rules by blending technological fluency with a deep sense of environmental responsibility. This talk will offer actionable insights for how all stakeholders can support and amplify Gen Z’s leadership, ensuring that the digital revolution becomes a force for a greener, more equitable future.
Jil Sheth is a researcher and partnerships professional with over seven years’ experience at the intersection of technology, urban planning, and net-zero innovation. As Partnerships and Engagement Manager at the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), she manages collaborations with over 1,000 organisations and 243 industry partners, supporting the UK’s industrial transition to net zero. An avid user of technology, Jil frequently delivers lectures on AI and digital transformation in sustainable development. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Urban Studies at Heriot-Watt University, focusing on policy transfer in land-use planning, and has been recognised with the British Council Anniversary and James Watt Scholarships. Jil is an active advocate for sustainability, volunteering in various roles with the United Nations and global initiatives. She is a member of over 35 professional organisations and is dedicated to mentoring students and promoting diversity in STEM. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 13:38Le combat pour l’Océan commence ici | Anne-Sophie Roux | TEDxCannesL'activisme va bien au-delà des actions spectaculaires : il englobe pétitions, campagnes, vulgarisation, lobbying... Face à la menace de l'exploitation minière des fonds marins, essentielle au climat, une mobilisation a permis à la France d’y renoncer et d’inspirer d’autres pays. Cette histoire prouve que s’organiser collectivement permet de protéger notre planète. Anne-Sophie Roux travaille à la protection et la régénération du plus grand puits de carbone et de biodiversité au monde : l'Océan. Conseillère en politiques maritimes, elle a été chargée de campagne contre l'exploitation minière des fonds marins pour la Sustainable Ocean Alliance. (--ENGLISH--) Activism goes far beyond spectacular actions: it encompasses petitions, campaigns, popularization, lobbying... Faced with the threat of seabed mining, which is essential to the climate, mobilization enabled France to renounce it and inspire other countries. This story proves that collective action can protect our planet. Anne-Sophie Roux works to protect and regenerate the world's largest carbon and biodiversity sink: the ocean. A marine policy advisor, she has campaigned against seabed mining for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:34A farsa da meritocracia | Beatriz Fontanive Peixoto | TEDxEscola Parque YouthA meritocracia promete um mundo onde o sucesso é uma recompensa direta do esforço. Mas o que acontece quando o ponto de partida não é igual para todos? Nesta palestra, a estudante Beatriz Fontanive Peixoto usa exemplos de sua própria vida e do cotidiano brasileiro para argumentar que a meritocracia, como conceito, é uma ferramenta que perpetua a desigualdade. Ela defende que, em uma sociedade tão diversa, é cruel tratar os desiguais com igualdade e que a crença de que o sucesso depende unicamente do esforço serve para mascarar as vantagens de classe, raça e gênero. Por isso, questiona as narrativas de "self-made men" e a ideia de que "a favela venceu", mostrando que o sucesso individual, embora inspirador, não representa uma mudança coletiva. Beatriz é estudante da Escola Parque This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:22خليل عجمي - رحلة الهجرة من الورقي إلى الرقمي TEDxAlDablanStreet | Khalil Ajmi | TEDxAlDablanStreet• It must remain in our memory and remind younger people that love, empathy, understanding and sharing are a set of emotions that do not occur ( in a click of a button), and are not (Like, Block or Share), but situations that go through stages of ups and downs in order to refine the human personality and build what we call "experience".• Younger people must see how good it is to get information through today's technology quickly and easily, but it is difficult to prosecute, verify and understand its dimensions. President of Syrian Virtual University. •Doctorate in information engineering. •He was affiliated with the Higher Institute of Applied Science and Technology (Centre for Scientific Studies and Research) in 1989. •Master's degrees in 1995 and doctorate in 1999 from the University of Sorbonne VI (Pierre and Marie Curie) in software engineering and information systems. •He worked as a researcher and professor and subsequently as head of the Department of Informatics at the Higher Institute between 2002 and 2013. •He was appointed Vice President of the Syrian Virtual University for Student Affairs in 2013 and subsequently President of the University since 2016. •He worked in the academic, training and advisory field at a number of Syrian universities and for governmental agencies and international organizations. • He contributed to the implementation of several studies and information automation projects for Syrian governmental institutions in addition to its participation in a number of European-Mediterranean projects to which Syria was a party. TEDx is proud of him to be a part of it, and we await with enthusiasm the inspiring ideas he will bring within it. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:28Viver e saber: experiência e conhecimento | Dimitri Hassel Petrow | TEDxEscola Parque YouthEm uma era de excesso de informações, parece que saber é sinônimo de "dar um Google". Mas e se o verdadeiro conhecimento fosse algo que ninguém pode tirar de você? Nesta palestra, o estudante Dimitri nos convida a repensar a diferença entre informação e experiência. Ele argumenta que, ao contrário do conteúdo superficial das redes sociais, a experiência direta é a chave para a construção de um saber genuíno, profundo e pessoal. Uma conversa que nos provoca a valorizar a curiosidade, a saborear cada novo aprendizado e a lembrar que, para saber, é preciso viver.Dimitri é estudante da Escola Parque This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:27I speak for the paws | Porshea Tuli | TEDxBasant NagarWhat does it mean to be an activist at just seven years old? In this heartwarming and powerful talk, Porshea Tuli shares her journey of growing up with dozens of furry siblings — dogs, cats, and rabbits — and discovering that animals may not speak our language, but they feel, love, and hurt just like us.With wit, innocence, and wisdom beyond her years, Porshea shows us why animals are “human enough,” how small acts like rescuing a puppy or leaving water for thirsty birds can create ripples of kindness, and why compassion for animals could even lead to a more peaceful world.Through personal stories, everyday activism, and a child’s fearless honesty, this talk is a reminder that you don’t need superpowers to be a superhero — sometimes, all you need is your voice. Porshea Tuli, a bright 7-year-old, has shown remarkable achievements across academics, arts, and sports. An avid reader and bibliophile, she demonstrates strong intellectual curiosity and has excelled in school competitions, earning titles such as Champion Athlete, Creative Runner, and Achievement Awards. On stage, she shines as a confident performer, securing top positions in plays, cultural activities, and speech contests, where her public speaking talent stands out. Beyond school, Porshea engages in summer camps, team sports, and extracurricular pursuits, building teamwork, discipline, and creativity. She enjoys classics like The Velveteen Rabbit, Frog and Toad, and Henry and Ribsy, nurturing her imagination and empathy. A multi-talented achiever with a love for learning, Porshea embodies curiosity, balance, and perseverance, promising an inspiring journey ahead. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:55O poder da leitura | Karolyne Luiza Araujo | TEDxEscola Parque YouthDesde cedor, Karolyne já entendeu o poder transformador das páginas. Em uma jornada que a levou da Baixada Fluminense para o interior de Pernambuco, ela percebeu que a ausência de livros criava um vazio em sua vida. Com seu relato pessoal e inspirador, ela compartilha como a leitura não só transformou a sua própria vida, mas também a de sua família Karolyne Luisa é estudante da Escola Parque This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
