AI, Tech and Social Justice | U of T Groundbreakers EP4

TL;DR

Technoscience intersects with activism for environmental justice and Indigenous rights, demanding diverse perspectives.

Transcript

[Kristen Bos] The more that people are able to understand what is happening here in Chemical Valley and connect it to the climate crisis, as well as to ongoing colonialism in Canada, the closer that we'll be to a more livable future. So science and technology are social and political. And I work in a field called technoscience, which is concerned w... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍⚖️ Technoscience intertwines with activism for environmental and Indigenous justice.
• 📽️ The Land and Refinery project uncovers Chemical Valley's history and environmental impacts.
• 😀 Pollution Reporter app streamlines pollution reporting and highlights health concerns.
• 🎰 Data representation diversity is crucial for unbiased AI and machine learning.
• 👨‍🔬 Advocacy through research and documentaries amplifies the need for inclusive technology.
• 👨‍💻 Project Include aims to bring coding education to underprivileged communities.
• 👩‍💻 Mentorship and support are essential for women of color in tech fields.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is technoscience, and why is it important in addressing environmental challenges?

Technoscience involves examining the social and political dimensions of technology, crucial for understanding and addressing environmental issues from a holistic perspective.

Q: What is the Land and Refinery project, and what are its main objectives?

The Land and Refinery project explores the history and current operations of Canada's Chemical Valley, focusing on colonial processes, environmental impacts, and Indigenous territory rights.

Q: How does the Pollution Reporter app improve pollution reporting in Chemical Valley?

The Pollution Reporter app simplifies pollution reporting, ensures data reach relevant authorities, preserves Chemical Valley's history, and links it to health effects for transparent advocacy.

Q: Why is representation crucial in machine learning and AI, particularly in facial recognition?

Lack of diversity in training data leads to biased algorithms, resulting in misidentification and real-world harm, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in AI development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Technoscience involves understanding technology through a socially and politically aware lens.

• The Land and Refinery project delves into the history and impact of Canada's Chemical Valley.

• Pollution Reporter app enhances pollution reporting and connects environmental data to health impacts.