As technology has advanced rapidly since the invention of the first computer in 1945, the use of artificial intelligence has significantly increased as the decades have worn on. Not only are many of these apps free, but other websites and search engines, such as Google Gemini and Notion AI, have started incorporating AI as a standard resource. While the introduction of AI to day-to-day lives proves to be an interesting development in society, there are some aspects of the technology that are less than noteworthy.
Many AI systems burn fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources for power, emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases, which trap heat, warming the planet. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are produced naturally, but human activities have exacerbated their presence in the atmosphere since the onset of the industrial age. Since 1850, the Earth’s temperature has risen around 2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
To offset the large amount of heat produced by burning fossil fuels to keep AI systems running, water is used to cool data centers. According to an article from Forbes, up to nine liters of water per kilowatt hour are consumed as a result of AI services. This water is often supplied from places where water is scarce, such as California and Arizona, further contributing to drought concerns in these places.
In addition to increasing rates of atmospheric pollution, AI has also changed the process of conducting research and classwork. According to an article by Education Week, students across the country frequently use AI to write essays or answer problems. Though AI can help students answer tough questions and explain the reasoning behind those answers, its negative impacts can be overlooked by the public.
With Google’s new AI feature, Gemini, almost every search generates an AI response in addition to the ‘regular’ responses already generated; there is no option to turn this feature off. According to an experiment done by the Columbia Journalism Review, these features are often inaccurate and can produce fake news, presenting as if it were factual, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
AI has increased access to information worldwide and has led to numerous scientific advancements. The problem of finding a sustainable energy source to fuel AI has led many to question how the future of this rapidly growing technology will look if the fuels traditionally used to power it are depleted.
As AI use increases, more steps have been taken to reduce its harmful effects on the environment. 193 countries have begun incorporating ethical recommendations for AI, including the recognition of the spread of misinformation. Tech companies can also contribute to damage prevention by recycling resources and minimizing energy demands.