Artificial Intelligence (AI) is “the” topic these days. It may seem as though AI just arrived and flooded the market with many things like Chat GPT and Claude, with everyone now talking about machine learning or Large Language Models, etc. However, this technology has been in the process of being refined and applied behind the scenes for well over 40 years. Notice how algorithms customize social media feeds, how people and posts seem to disappear, this too is part of an AI based application. 

AI technology uses a lot of energy to perform comprehensive computations, processing millions of images or large amounts of data via linked computers or stored “in the cloud”. It is possible for the energy that is consumed by AI data centers to be transitioned to renewable sources that reduce their harmful emissions. Perhaps even more “radical” solutions such as SMR’s could be utilized at large data centers rather than pulling from existing fossil fuel based plants. Using liquid cooling for the computer chips in data centers together with recycled water systems rather than the current cheap/inefficient cooling is proven to reduce AI emissions and other harms. What is lacking are regulations to stipulate these practical measures, which do have associated higher costs but yield multiple benefits and savings going forward.

Using technology–not just to sell more products or choose movies an algorithm shows you–but in analyzing patterns and making predictions to ultimately help humans fight the climate crisis is perhaps the best use of AI. In streamlining agricultural practices for efficiency, forecasting weather patterns (and predicting wildfires), or driving your “self-driving” car, AI can process thousands of variables with increasingly accurate results.

It is important to note that AI is simply another tool created by humans. If AI can assist us to reduce carbon and other harmful emissions, improve manufacturing and transportation, analyze complex climate systems or satellite info, etc. then it makes sense to utilize it responsibly as an aid in our efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable society.