CENTRAL MAINE • August 17, 2024
Artificial intelligence is one of the world’s fast-growing technologies, and that is raising alarm that AI data centers’ thirst for electricity will increase planet-warming emissions and strain the electrical grid. Google AI takes 10 times as much electricity to process a result as a regular Google search. Meeting the demand will put pressure on the U.S.’ aging electrical grid and, since 60% of electricity still comes from fossil fuels, increase planet-warming carbon emissions. We have to make sure this rapidly expanding technology doesn’t undermine climate goals. ~ Los Angeles Times editorial