AI for the Planet Debate presented by NCEAS & the UCSB Affiliates

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

6:00 PM at Validation Ale (Funk Zone)

Register here!

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.

Register here for the debate! 

Meet our debaters:

Ben Halpern, NCEAS Director

• Marine ecologist and professor at UCSB’s Bren School

• Leads global research on ocean management and conservation

• Work includes marine protected areas (MPAs), Human impact on oceans, and the Ocean Health Index

Lucas Joppa, Haveli Investments' Chief Sustainability Officer 

• Former Chief Environmental Officer at Microsoft

• Led the development and execution of the company’s sustainability strategy

• Advances technology-driven solutions for global sustainability

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

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Learn more at communityrelations.ucsb.edu/ucsb-affiliates