The University of Cambridge warns that the UK's ambition to lead in AI could conflict with its climate targets. Without immediate intervention, AI's unchecked growth might lead to a 25-fold increase in global tech sector energy consumption by 2040, severely straining power grids and worsening carbon emissions. The report claims that assuming simultaneous leadership in AI and net-zero greenhouse gas targets by 2050 is unrealistic. Currently, data centers contribute about 1.5% to global emissions, projected to rise to 8% by 2040. Furthermore, emissions from tech companies are reportedly increasing despite climate commitments, hindered by transparency issues.
The unchecked growth of AI could drive a 25-fold increase in the global tech sector's energy use by 2040, putting massive strain on power grids and accelerating carbon emissions.
It's 'magical thinking at the highest levels' to assume countries such as the UK can lead in AI while also hitting targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Currently, data centres already account for nearly 1.5% of global emissions, but this figure could rise to 8% by 2040, surpassing those from air travel.
We know the environmental impact of AI will be formidable, but tech giants are deliberately vague about the energy requirements implicit in their aims.
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