Source: The Manila Times

A climate expert has raised concerns over the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the technology could be accelerating the ongoing climate crisis. The expert highlighted that AI systems, particularly those involved in training large models and processing vast amounts of data, consume significant amounts of energy, which in turn leads to higher carbon emissions. The increasing demand for computational power to support AI applications is driving up the use of energy resources, many of which are still derived from fossil fuels.

The article explains that AI technologies, such as machine learning and neural networks, require immense computational resources, especially when training models for tasks like natural language processing or image recognition. These processes often take place in large data centers that consume vast amounts of electricity. As AI adoption grows across various industries, the environmental toll is expected to rise unless cleaner energy solutions are implemented.

Additionally, the article warns that AI’s role in accelerating other activities, such as deforestation, industrial automation, and resource extraction, could further exacerbate the climate crisis. While AI has the potential to be used in combating climate change by optimizing energy use and improving resource efficiency, the current trajectory suggests that without proper regulations and reliance on renewable energy, the technology could do more harm than good.

The expert calls for greater awareness of AI’s environmental footprint and urges governments and industries to take immediate action by adopting more sustainable practices. This includes investing in renewable energy sources to power data centers and developing more energy-efficient algorithms. Without such measures, the exponential growth of AI could contribute to a worsening climate crisis.