AI Data Centers' Power Consumption Set to Surge by 160% by 2030

Rahul Somvanshi

Scientists are using AI to predict weather patterns better and spot early signs of climate disasters.

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A new system called NeuralGCM can forecast climate changes as accurately as older methods, but much faster once it's set up.

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In nature conservation, researchers created a tool called INQUIRE that looks at photos people take of wildlife.

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When climate disasters strike, doctors and aid workers need quick information– which is why Dr Iain Marshall’s team is building SOLACE-AI.

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Running AI requires massive computer centres that use lots of electricity and water.

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Building just one small computer needs 800 kilograms of raw materials, requiring extensive mining and processing.

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"There is still much we don't know about the environmental impact of AI but some of the data we do have is concerning," warns Golestan Radwan from the UN Environment Programme.

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The goal is to keep AI’s benefits while reducing its environmental costs – as Radwan points out, "Governments are racing to develop national AI strategies but rarely do they take the environment and sustainability into account."

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