Decoder with Nilay Patel AI has a climate problem — but so does all of tech
Aug 1, 2024
Justine Calma, a senior science reporter at The Verge, joins to tackle the pressing energy demands of AI technology. They unravel the climate impact of data centers, revealing that AI's energy consumption could rival that of a small country. The discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding tech's sustainability commitments and the strain on the U.S. power grid. Calma sheds light on the paradox of AI innovation versus climate goals, questioning its true value amidst escalating environmental challenges.
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Data Center Energy Use
- Data centers use a small but meaningful amount of electricity, about 4% in the U.S.
- This share is expected to grow significantly, especially due to AI and crypto mining.
Grid Vulnerability
- Growing data center electricity demand is concerning because the power grid operates on thin margins.
- There isn't much energy storage to handle increased demand, making the grid vulnerable.
Data Center Power Sources and RECs
- Many data centers rely on fossil fuels, as renewable energy isn't scaling fast enough.
- Companies often purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) to claim sustainability, but the actual energy source remains mixed.