Yea, It's scary how much energy AI systems consume, and it's only going to grow more from here. Improvement is the bare minimum at this point, because you're right expecting a full stop is just unrealistic at this point
1. Energy consumption and environmental impact (as you pointed out)
2. Potential job losses as AI could be more productive than humans in certain mundane tasks.
3. Could be a few more pitfalls of AI.
What are the benefits?
1. Drivers of innovation; individuals and organizations can use AI to achieve higher efficiency. Leading to better time utilization, profit margins etc.
2. Research applications; scientists can conduct their data driven research much faster, which can lead to medicines and treatments to previously untreatable diseases.
3. National defense
Alternatives fossil fuels as energy source:
1. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft have already built data centers which are powered by nuclear mission reaction. It is a cleaner source than coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels. These data centers are compact, leak proof and are submerged under ocean which can act as a heat sink.
2. Because energy demand will skyrocket, we are likely to see innovation in energy generation technology at a dramatic pace in years to come.
I think overall, it is a moment of progress for mankind, like what we saw with evolution of internet, evolution of cars on road, or trains over a century ago.
In the future, we could build a space-based solar power station and a naturally cooled facility in the lunar shadows, then set up AI and data centers there—isolated from Earth's environment, as a solution.
I understand the point is the article is to raise awareness on the hidden cost of AI behind the convenience. With that said, the argument would be strong if it considers possible alternatives like going back to pre-AI distributed datacenters, and AI contribution to energy saving by improving supply chain efficiency and new energy research.
You're right, what’s already done is done. But maybe how we respond, how we carry ourselves, still holds weight. Awareness and care might be all we have left to offer, and maybe that’s enough (for now)
I find this depressing and sad. I knew most of it but don't want to look at it because .... well what is there to be done about it on an individual level. 🤷🏻♀️
Yeah, I totally get that. It is really depressing, especially when it feels like the damage is so far out of our hands. I think a lot of people feel powerless, and honestly, it’s overwhelming. But maybe even small actions, like being more mindful of our own tech use, supporting responsible AI developments, or just raising awareness can add up!
I use ChatGBT to try and build an online business. I couldn’t do what I do without it. It’s a game-changer that gives ordinary people a chance to compete at a higher level. The only positive spin I can put on this is to provide the absolutely best advice I can give that allows others to be the best they can be. It’s a mindset full of holes but it’s my truth and all I can offer atm.
That's a really honest take, and I respect that. AI is definitely a double-edged sword, it's opening up massive opportunities for people who never had a chance before, but it also raises serious questions about its long-term impact on the planet and society. Offering the best advice you can and helping others grow is a powerful way to contribute something positive in the middle of all the uncertainty. It's not a perfect answer, but it’s real and sometimes that’s the most valuable thing we can share!
Everyone’s excited about smarter answers, but we’re trading Google’s thimble of energy for AI’s firehose. Each AI query isn’t just more expensive — it’s ecologically heavier. If we don’t account for the true environmental cost of intelligence-on-demand, we’re just outsourcing convenience to the climate crisis.
I hope there will be more improvement on what AI consumes, for the sake of this planet because... hoping for them to stop would be too naive of me.
Yea, It's scary how much energy AI systems consume, and it's only going to grow more from here. Improvement is the bare minimum at this point, because you're right expecting a full stop is just unrealistic at this point
I think we need to do a cost ve
Vs benefits analysis.
AI, but at what costs?
1. Energy consumption and environmental impact (as you pointed out)
2. Potential job losses as AI could be more productive than humans in certain mundane tasks.
3. Could be a few more pitfalls of AI.
What are the benefits?
1. Drivers of innovation; individuals and organizations can use AI to achieve higher efficiency. Leading to better time utilization, profit margins etc.
2. Research applications; scientists can conduct their data driven research much faster, which can lead to medicines and treatments to previously untreatable diseases.
3. National defense
Alternatives fossil fuels as energy source:
1. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft have already built data centers which are powered by nuclear mission reaction. It is a cleaner source than coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels. These data centers are compact, leak proof and are submerged under ocean which can act as a heat sink.
2. Because energy demand will skyrocket, we are likely to see innovation in energy generation technology at a dramatic pace in years to come.
I think overall, it is a moment of progress for mankind, like what we saw with evolution of internet, evolution of cars on road, or trains over a century ago.
Thank you, as always, for the fascinating ideas.
In the future, we could build a space-based solar power station and a naturally cooled facility in the lunar shadows, then set up AI and data centers there—isolated from Earth's environment, as a solution.
That's quite a futuristic/creative way for reducing AI's environmental footprint, thanks for sharing!!
I felt this very informative on a topic I feel passionate about. Bravo!
Glad you found it interesting!
I understand the point is the article is to raise awareness on the hidden cost of AI behind the convenience. With that said, the argument would be strong if it considers possible alternatives like going back to pre-AI distributed datacenters, and AI contribution to energy saving by improving supply chain efficiency and new energy research.
Good point! It's important to talk about the hidden costs of AI, but also what it can help with.
AI can save energy by making things like delivery routes and power use more efficient.
But at the same time, training these models takes a lot of energy.
The real question is, are we using AI in ways that make the benefits worth the cost?
As deeply concerning and probable issues, nothing can be done to erase what’s already surged , much like the war.
Awareness,mindfulness, notice and Eco rests on us 🙏🪷
You're right, what’s already done is done. But maybe how we respond, how we carry ourselves, still holds weight. Awareness and care might be all we have left to offer, and maybe that’s enough (for now)
🙏’ we can give our ‘ planet ‘ the love and compassion it deserves
I find this depressing and sad. I knew most of it but don't want to look at it because .... well what is there to be done about it on an individual level. 🤷🏻♀️
Yeah, I totally get that. It is really depressing, especially when it feels like the damage is so far out of our hands. I think a lot of people feel powerless, and honestly, it’s overwhelming. But maybe even small actions, like being more mindful of our own tech use, supporting responsible AI developments, or just raising awareness can add up!
I use ChatGBT to try and build an online business. I couldn’t do what I do without it. It’s a game-changer that gives ordinary people a chance to compete at a higher level. The only positive spin I can put on this is to provide the absolutely best advice I can give that allows others to be the best they can be. It’s a mindset full of holes but it’s my truth and all I can offer atm.
That's a really honest take, and I respect that. AI is definitely a double-edged sword, it's opening up massive opportunities for people who never had a chance before, but it also raises serious questions about its long-term impact on the planet and society. Offering the best advice you can and helping others grow is a powerful way to contribute something positive in the middle of all the uncertainty. It's not a perfect answer, but it’s real and sometimes that’s the most valuable thing we can share!
Thanks Roxanna, that’s the conclusion I came to as well 👍
Everyone’s excited about smarter answers, but we’re trading Google’s thimble of energy for AI’s firehose. Each AI query isn’t just more expensive — it’s ecologically heavier. If we don’t account for the true environmental cost of intelligence-on-demand, we’re just outsourcing convenience to the climate crisis.
This is a very powerful way to put it. Everyone’s hyped about how fast and smart AI is, but no one’s talking about how much energy it actually uses.
And you're right, if we keep acting like it’s free and harmless, we’re just making the planet pay the price....
https://open.substack.com/pub/growingupaspen/p/digital-organics?r=2g93c&utm_medium=ios