In this first part of a 2-part episode, Tim Burnett chats with Rita Bateson, an assessment writer, curriculum developer, and Director at Eblana Learning. Rita has extensive experience working with the International Baccalaureate (IB) and specialises in the ethical evolution of assessment, particularly focusing on sustainability and environmental impact.

In Part 1, they discuss:

Dublin's energy crisis and the impact of data centre energy consumption on Ireland's electrical grid

The hidden carbon cost of AI and that already surpassed aviation in environmental impact

Why we can't ignore the inconvenient truth when it comes to the impact of AI on the environment

Rita explains how the assessment industry is sleepwalking into a massive environmental crisis. Whilst everyone pushes to move away from paper-based testing, the energy consumption of AI-powered assessments creates invisible but enormous carbon footprints. She explores why a single AI prompt can use anywhere from 1 to 15 watt-hours of energy, and warns about the scaling factor as teachers and students multiply that usage exponentially.

The conversation reveals why this is the "inconvenient truth" the education sector isn't discussing - despite our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Rita shares insights from Dublin, where AI energy demands have led to discussions about reopening nuclear plants and investing £800 billion in data centres.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where Rita and Tim explore: Could AI be changing how we think and socialise in ways we haven't realised?

Learn more about Rita's work at the e-Assessment Associations 2025 conference in London:https://conference2025.e-assessment.com/2025/en/page/ai-symposium-2025

Connect with Rita Bateson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/

Connect with Tim Burnett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tburnett/

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