AI's CF?

It's worth reiterating, as does John Naughton, that Artificial Intelligence (AI) generates an enormous Carbon Footprint (CF). AI involves staggering amounts of electricity-dependent computing power and also requires massive cooling of equipment. This is, without even considering, the environmental costs of constructing their basic infrastructure (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/23/ai-chat-gpt-environmental-impact-energy-carbon-intensive-technology). Naughton notes that the carbon emisions generated by 'training' an AI system, before roll-out, are substantial. That's even before, considering the energy that will be subsequently required to run every 'task' proposed by millions of users. Naughton notes that requests to generate 'amusing' images (a la TikTok), require much more computing power than seeking 'simple' written responses. He thinks that the current anguished fretting about the likely impacts of AI on employment, misinformation, politics and survival of the human species, serves the industry well. Naughton believes it 'takes people's eye off the ball', when it comes to recognising that AI per se will be a major environmental challenge. It's rather sad to think of millions of AI users, spending their last days creating 'fun' images of cats, dogs and politicians, whilst the planet becomes unliveable for humans. Happy New Year!