Claims from Big Tech about AI helping the environment have been called out as misleading in a recent report. Critics argue that the energy, water, and land required for powerful AI models create significant environmental challenges.
Ketan Joshi, a climate and energy analyst, highlights in his report that up to 74% of claims regarding AI’s benefits for the climate are unverified. These assertions often minimize the environmental damage caused by technology, benefitting both tech and fossil fuel companies.
The report was put together by a group of environmental organizations, including Beyond Fossil Fuels and Friends of the Earth U.S. Joshi found that only 26% of these claims referenced published academic research. Alarmingly, 36% did not provide any evidence at all. Most claims leaned on weak data rather than solid, peer-reviewed studies.
Joshi analyzed various AI applications and concluded that consumer products like ChatGPT and Gemini have not shown significant reductions in emissions. He pointed out that tech companies often use vague language about energy usage in data centers, essentially making their environmental impact seem less severe than it is.
“This has seeped into organizations like the International Energy Agency,” Joshi noted. “The claims of saving the planet are often exaggerated, while AI data centers contribute significantly to coal and gas consumption.” He warned that these misleading claims could obscure the real harm being done to communities and the environment.
Interestingly, a 2022 study found that data centers worldwide consumed about 1% of global electricity, which is expected to increase as demand for AI and cloud services grows.
To understand public sentiment, many on social media have expressed skepticism about the supposed climate benefits of AI. Some users highlighted the need for accountability and transparency from tech companies regarding their environmental footprint.
For those curious to dive deeper into Joshi’s findings, the full report can be accessed here.
Source link
climate change
