Artificial intelligence prompts global warming
A famous Cree proverb states, “Only when the last tree has died, the last river has dried up, and the last fish has been caught will we finally realize we cannot eat money.” The advancement of ChatGPT is highly profitable and just as dangerous.
ChatGPT, the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence [AI] program, has become increasingly popular since its release in October of 2022. Whether I’m scrolling on social media or glancing up in a classroom, AI is everywhere I look. However, unbeknownst to a majority of AI users, AI draws energy from physical power plants that are quickly draining natural resources. The use of AI can not be justified because it is becoming one of the leading causes of global warming.
The computer power necessary to train new AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 uses billions of watts of electricity, causing increasing carbon dioxide emissions, the leading cause of global warming. Further, the massive energy consumption at AI powerplants generates dangerous levels of heat, so water is in high demand to cool hardware used for training, deploying and adjusting generative AI programs. It is estimated that each prompt sent to an AI chatbot uses five milliliters of water.
CNBC News reported that OpenAI makes $10 billion in annual recurring revenue because of ChatGPT’s popularity. OpenAI will continue to develop AI data centers as long as it is profitable for them. AI’s chokehold on America goes beyond the company itself. The Trump Administration encourages the development of OpenAI and has outlined plans to build AI infrastructure in the U.S. and make AI more accessible. Trump took initiative in his AI goals three days into his second presidency by signing Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI,” which accelerates the growth of harmful data centers.
Reading the Trump Administration’s AI action plan felt like reading the script to a dystopian movie. Not only does the administration’s plan not include plans to combat global warming, but it also directly states that concerns of global warming are considered an obstacle to its industrial expansion. The plan states that “We need to build and maintain vast AI infrastructure and the energy to power it. To do that, we will continue to reject radical climate dogma and bureaucratic red tape.” Language like “radical climate dogma” diminishes legitimate concerns about global warming that will continue to affect the American people as AI continues to rise.
I’m against AI in most cases. However, AI has been utilized to advance healthcare fields with diagnostics and personalized medicine. But the average person has no need for such advanced technology at the tip of their fingertips. I’ve seen my peers use ChatGPT as if it were Google, and that is an unreasonable use for AI.
I could understand the desire to use ChatGPT when stuck doing a tedious homework assignment, when you’re hitting a creative block, or if you’re curious about new technology. Though AI is helpful, it is not essential. With an understanding of the environmental impact that AI has, continuing to use ChatGPT is simply selfish.
Do not use ChatGPT. Boycott companies that use AI and vote against propositions that aim to further the expansion of AI. It is up to the consumer to mitigate the expansion of thirsty AI power plants by showing companies that AI’s abuse on the planet is not acceptable. For each prompt sent to an AI chatbot, you sacrifice the future of your grandchildren for your own convenience.
