IRL: Online Life is Real Life Decoding the Planet: From Whales to Whistleblowers
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Jul 8, 2025 
Aza Raskin, co-founder and president of the Earth Species Project, dives into the exciting world of AI and animal communication. He discusses how understanding whale language could enhance ocean protection efforts. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of using AI in environmental contexts, highlighting a need for transparency as tech companies provide resources to the oil industry. Raskin emphasizes the importance of mindful AI usage, particularly in addressing critical environmental challenges while safeguarding animal welfare.
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Holly Alpine's Microsoft Journey
- Holly Alpine worked at Microsoft managing sustainability projects near data centers for years.
- She loved her job but quit over ethical concerns about Microsoft aiding fossil fuel industry.
AI Empowers Oil Industry
- Advanced AI analyzes massive datasets to find new oil reserves and optimize drilling.
- This aids fossil fuel expansion despite climate concerns, raising ethical dilemmas about AI's role.
AI Energy Transparency Needed
- We lack transparency on AI's real energy consumption and carbon footprint.
- Without data, sustainable AI use and regulation are impossible.