Microsoft's AI Strategy and Environmental Impact

8min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

This chapter explores Microsoft's approach to AI, discussing the distinction between generative and predictive AI and how Microsoft tends to conflate them when discussing sustainability. It sheds light on Microsoft's focus on energy-intensive AI models like chat GPT and the potential impact on their sustainability commitments. The chapter also delves into concerns about the energy consumption of AI technology and the race among tech companies to build data centers to support generative AI, raising questions about the environmental implications.

Artificial intelligence can do some pretty amazing things, including for the climate. AI can help optimize the electric grid, make heating and cooling buildings more efficient, and pinpoint exactly where greenhouse gas emissions are coming from all around the world.

On the other hand, the energy use of AI is massive and growing. A recent study estimates that in just a few years, the extra energy needed will equal whole countries the size of Sweden or Argentina. How do we make sure the benefits of AI outweigh its energy costs?

Guests

Karen Hao, Contributing Writer, The Atlantic

Gavin McCormick, Cofounder and Executive Director, WattTime; Cofounder, Climate TRACE

Priya Donti, Assistant Professor, MIT; Co-founder and Chair of Climate Change AI

Amy McGovern, Professor of Computer Science, University of Oklahoma

Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you’ll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord.

Join today for just $5/month.

For show notes and related links, visit our website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices