The AI Era Digest-Earth Day Edition
George Warner
Strategic Automation Consultant/Chief Content Evangelist/Speaker/IBM Champion 2020/2021/2022/2023/2024 IBM BA Partner
Earth Day Special Edition
AI's Projected Impact on Climate Change/Global Warming
Earth Day Past
When Earth Day started, the concerns were about air and water pollution.
My little town in Upstate NY is next to the Hudson River. Due to upriver pollution, our narrow part of the Hudson had zero dissolved oxygen in the water. Whatever aquatic life entered our reach it would die from lack of oxygen. 50+ years later, the implemented water treatment plants have addressed that issue, there is now oxygen in the water and fish are now abundant.
Earth Day - 2024
Today, our concerns are about CO2 warming the globe and how that warming is changing the rules for which lifeforms can survive on this blue marble of ours. Extinction is happening at multiple levels at alarming speed as is the increase of severe weather around the world.
AI and Earth Day
Enter AI. As we work to understand AI, what is clear is that, in its present form, it has a huge appetite for power/electricity. Some estimates are that AI may consume 40+% more electricity than is now generated.
With global CO2 levels rising, how are we going to power this technology? There are reports that some tech execs are looking to go back to fossil fuel and/or nuclear power in order to power AI. And that renewable power may not be enough.
Question - With the impacts of global warming and climate change happening in our face, we can literally see it, is this something that we are willing to accept?
I get that tech firms are investing and chasing AI in order to be a part of the projected $17 TRILLION dollar market (by 2030), but is this something that we are willing to accept? Are we willing to pay the price of AI energy needs potentially driving up CO2 levels? And driving them up to untenable levels.
It's Water Also
And it just not energy, as currently deployed, AI is going to need water for chip production and for Data Center cooling. Lots of water.
What Do We Do? Demand AI Sustainability!
While the AI industry is early and while the tech companies are chasing the Benjamins, collectively, we need to demand that AI be sustainable! AI power and water needs must be accounted for. Some firms are doing that, at least writing that they are. Are they AI-washing? The jury is out on that.
Of all the published papers and reports, I do like IBM's approach the best. Their journey into AI feels solid and thoughtful. They are actively addressing these and other AI related (i.e. Governance) issues.
The World’s AI Generators: Rethinking Water Usage in Data Centers To Build a More Sustainable Future
Sword of Damocles - Do We Need AI To Help Address Climate Change?
An open question is, to address Climate Change, Do We Need AI? We may.
With Earth Day 2024 behind us, let's spend the time until Earth Day 2025:
-Better understanding the requirements and benefits of AI:
-Demand that the AI industry strive to be 100% sustainable. That the cost for energy and water be included in the AI accounting, not just the Benjamins and returns. Use the IBM methodology as a model.
-As daunting as the impact of AI may seem, in 1970, the Hudson River was dead next to my little town. With investment and prudent policy, today, that same stretch is alive and thriving.
If you have access to updated AI Sustainability papers, especially from the major players, please forward them. As always, feel free to forward questions or suggestions.
Thanks, George [email protected]
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Senior Analyst, Software at infosource
10 个月Thank you for this article, highlighting many aspects of this important topic, George! Indeed, it is important to 1) see the full picture of the sustainability impact. While this is always key, I find it particularly tricky in my research related to sustainability where the assessment of Co2 equivalents and other environmental impacts appears to be based on a partial or biased analysis. 2) for the use new technologies, it is essential to consider all positive and negative impacts. The sustainability considerations are very often forgotten as we analyze the impact of the Advanced AI technologies. Thank you for highlighting many of these impacts!
HR Executive & BDE(Client Manager) | Driving Talent Acquisition & Strategic Partnerships in Staffing HR/BDA |MBA HR | B.com| HR Operations & Recruitment | Client handling | Employee engagement | Motivational Speaker
11 个月I'm here to discuss the environmental impact of AI. Let's explore together
Partnering with High-Ticket Coaches and Consultants to Build Their Authority Brand & Convert LinkedIn Leads Into Paying Clients | Creator of the Authority Brand Formula?
11 个月Interesting topic. How can AI help improve environmental sustainability? ??
Partner @ Qualified Capital | Advisor @ Diagen Ai | Pharmacist | Investor in AI and Healthcare
11 个月Excited to dive into this special Earth Day edition of The AI Era Digest.