Barely a few years have passed, but it feels like we can’t live without AI anymore. Of course, AI has also had its fair share of criticism, but these seem to focus on its ethical and moral impact. Less light is shed on the environmental impact, which has been great indeed.
As AI models become more complex, more energy is required to train and run them. This results in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Researchers estimate that the amount of computing power required to train cutting-edge AI models has doubled every 3.4 months since 2012.
E-waste from AI hardware contains hazardous chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. The World Economic Forum projects that the total amount of e-waste generated will have surpassed 120 million metric tonnes by 2050. Proper e-waste management and recycling are essential to avoid environmental harm.
AI applications like driverless cars and delivery drones can pose a threat to animals and their habitats. The automation brought about by AI may also lead to increased consumption and waste in certain sectors. The use of AI in agriculture could result in the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, harming biodiversity. AI systems used for environmental management can also be biased if trained on inaccurate or incomplete data.
Some companies prioritize financial gain over the environmental impact of AI technologies. The complexity of AI systems makes it difficult for users to understand their environmental footprint. To address this issue, more transparent procedures and regulations are needed to ensure that AI is developed and used in an environmentally responsible way.
The undeniable potential of AI cannot overshadow the environmental threats it poses. From its massive energy consumption to its contribution to e-waste and disruption of ecosystems, AI’s environmental impact necessitates immediate action. Transparency and responsible development are crucial to ensure AI becomes a tool for a sustainable future, not a detriment. There need to be work done to highlight these challenges and foster a dialogue that paves the way for AI advancements that coexist harmoniously with our planet.
Read more here:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/06/business/dealbook/ai-power-energy-climate.html