The rise of AI offers hope for advancements in clean energy but comes with the challenge of high energy consumption. This complex relationship was discussed at a Newsweek event with experts from technology and energy companies. The panel featured Microsoft, Bezos Earth Fund, Salesforce, Duke Energy, and MIT discussing whether AI is a climate hero or villain. The panel highlighted the need to balance the benefits of AI with the energy demands it creates, especially with the growing use of generative AI.
The panel delved into the impact of AI on climate change, focusing on how AI’s benefits might outweigh its associated energy costs. With data center power usage projected to rise significantly by 2030, there is a growing concern about the energy demands of AI. However, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed confidence that the country can meet the energy needs of AI. Hollis from Microsoft emphasized AI’s potential as a hero in tackling climate-related challenges, such as storm impact and wildfire mitigation. He acknowledged the increased energy needs of AI technologies but also highlighted the need for carbon-free energy sources.
Mashariki shared insights from Bezos Earth Fund and highlighted how AI can be used to solve environmental challenges, such as removing invasive species. He emphasized the importance of using AI to drive impact and facilitate conservation efforts. DiBianca from Salesforce discussed the tension between AI’s benefits and energy consumption, noting that massive compute power is not always necessary. Salesforce’s survey revealed concerns about AI’s impact on sustainability efforts but also optimism about its benefits. She stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to AI technology to avoid creating a digital divide.
At Duke Energy, Quinley discussed how AI has helped increase efficiency but also raised energy demands. AI has been used for various purposes, from leak detection to storm detection, benefiting both the company and its customers. Quinley highlighted the challenge of meeting the energy needs of data centers and advanced manufacturing with the growth in AI technologies. Donti from MIT’s Climate Change AI research group emphasized that AI’s impact on the environment depends on how it is utilized by people and organizations. She called for more transparency from tech companies regarding the energy consumption of AI models.
The discussion underscored the need for transparency and data sharing to fully understand the energy consumption of AI technologies. Legislation from Senator Markey calls for additional disclosure to shed light on the environmental impact of AI. The event highlighted the importance of balancing AI’s benefits with its energy costs to ensure that AI can be a positive force in addressing climate change. Future Newsweek Horizons events will continue to explore the intersection of technology, energy, and the environment.
