In this article, we will discuss Impact of AI Technology on Climate. So, let’s get started.
Impact of AI Technology on Climate
- Carbon Footprint: The climate impact of AI can be majorly attributed to the energy use of training and operating large AI models.
- In 2020, digital technologies accounted for between 1.8% and 6.3% of global emissions.
- At this same time, AI development and adoption across sectors skyrocketed and so did the demand for processing power associated with larger and larger AI models.
- A main problem to tackle in reducing AI’s climate impact is to quantify its energy consumption and carbon emission, and to make this information transparent.
- UNESCO’s Efforts: The idea of sustainability is rapidly entering mainstream debates on AI ethics and sustainable development. Recently, UNESCO adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, calling on actors to “reduce the environmental impact of AI systems, including but not limited to its carbon footprint.”
- In this context, tech-giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Facebook have announced their “net zero” policies and initiatives which is a good sign, but merely scratches the surface.
- Issue of Developing and Underdeveloped Countries: These countries have been specifically facing challenges as most of the current efforts and narratives on the relationship between AI and climate impact are being driven by the developed West.
