The ugly truth behind ChatGPT: AI is guzzling resources at planet-eating rates
The ugly truth behind ChatGPT: AI is guzzling resources at planet-eating rates
Big tech is playing its part in reaching net zero targets, but its vast new datacentres are run at huge cost to the environment, says economics professor Mariana Mazzucato
Despite its name, the infrastructure used by the “cloud” accounts for more global greenhouse emissions than commercial flights. In 2018, for instance, the 5bn YouTube hits for the viral song Despacito used the same amount of energy it would take to heat 40,000 US homes annually.
Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all. Research suggests, for instance, that about 700,000 litres of water could have been used to cool the machines that trained ChatGPT-3 at Microsoft’s data facilities.
Additionally, as these companies aim to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, they may opt to base their datacentres in regions with cheaper electricity, such as the southern US, potentially exacerbating water consumption issues in drier parts of the world.
Furthermore, while minerals such as lithium and cobalt are most commonly associated with batteries in the motor sector, they are also crucial for the batteries used in datacentres. The extraction process often involves significant water usage and can lead to pollution, undermining water security. The extraction of these minerals are also often linked to human rights violations and poor labour standards. Trying to achieve one climate goal of limiting our dependence on fossil fuels can compromise another goal, of ensuring everyone has a safe and accessible water supply.
Moreover, when significant energy resources are allocated to tech-related endeavours, it can lead to energy shortages for essential needs such as residential power supply. Recent data from the UK shows that the country’s outdated electricity network is holding back affordable housing projects.
In other words, policy needs to be designed not to pick sectors or technologies as “winners”, but to pick the willing by providing support that is conditional on companies moving in the right direction. Making disclosure of environmental practices and impacts a condition for government support could ensure greater transparency and accountability.
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I have lived in countries like what I've described and spent much time with people who are from there, and I financially support people from such places. I see nothing wrong with sharing their situation with people who think they know everything about how a technology is used when they clearly do not.
Yes, I assume you and others are from privileged societies based on your perspective and the things you say. Sometimes, it is very obvious when people have lived their lives in very specific environments.
The way you come across is as someone who doesn't see any use in getting to know people from societies very different from your own. Simultaneously, you want to feel like you have the correct way of seeing the world, and anyone who sees it differently must be malicious and playing some sort of trick on you. Whenever you feel like you have it all figured out, that's when you should be looking for your blind spot.
You ever think you project a lot on others?
No no see he has lived among the common people that one spring break, he alone can advocate for their interests. Eat, Pray, Love is basically about him. He is enlightened now.
Not me alone. I can't advocate for them as well as they can for themselves. It must drive you nuts that so many people stand up for the Gazans.
Wow you really are just flinging shit at the wall and seeing what sticks aren’t you?
Some of us have actually seen stun grenades go off and had their cameras broken by police officers. Don’t even try to convince me you’ve been there with me. After all, sometimes it’s very obvious when people have lived their lives in very specific environments. Right?
I'm sorry about your camera. That genuinely must have been really scary. It is great to have those kinds of experiences in your life. I hope you continue to have a passion to stand up for what you believe in, even when other people try to intimidate you and belittle you out of what you know to be true and good.
Don’t try and high road me after all the nasty things you said about me for no reason other than you’re a petty, small person who couldn’t stand seeing the pristine name “crypto” besmirched. You don’t know shit about me or what I’ve been through.
Fuck off. I’m just blocking you. Don’t bother responding. Be a better person.
They do this "I'm taking the high road" after saying incredibly rude and directly insulting things and responds as if the upset people are wrong.
I truly don't know if they are confused why their tactic isn't working or is just a very deeply seated self absorbed individual, and thinks of themselves as truly the only person that can be correct with zero nuance.
Honestly I should’ve known better than to take their bait. I should’ve blocked them the moment they showed up.
99.99% of crypto is rubbish. If you think I said something incorrect, then point it out and ask for an explanation. Discussion isn't nearly as awful as you are making it out to be.
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If you lived or have been around people struggling with collapsing currencies, then you wouldn't be so naive and bitter towards the solutions that many are using.
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