rtificial Intelligence (AI) has become ingrained in society, and as it advances, it is expected to improve many industries by mimicking human intelligence to perform various tasks. While the benefits of AI are significant, the rapid growth and development leaves numerous concerns for the future, including the need for sustainability and diversity. As AI continues to be developed, it leaves an immense environmental mess behind that needs to be cleaned up expeditiously. To address this challenge, individuals, organizations, and governments must collaborate in establishing concrete regulations, policies, and boundaries that establish both the safe and ethical use of technology. Additionally, the need for diversity and youth is particularly crucial in shaping society. It is crucial for new perspectives and ideas to be considered when tackling AI—something that is bound to impact the planet for generations to come.
AI is growing into a surprisingly significant contributor to global warming. For example, its large energy consumption, mainly from constantly run data centers, is alarming. It is estimated that data centers in China consume about 1.3 billion cubic meters yearly, which can lead to water scarcity. It's crucial to find solutions to undo the damage already done. If no action is taken, effects of climate change will only worsen, leading to more extreme weather events which will leave irreversible health impacts on individuals for generations to come.
Thus, focusing on sustainability as a key pillar in advancing AI innovation globally is crucial. This task requires collaboration between individuals from all fields and backgrounds such as: government officials, students, minorities, policy makers, and the general public. By working together, we can ensure that AI is a tool to support humans, rather than replace them, and that sustainability is at the forefront of AI innovation.
With this being so new, bringing various mindsets together will enable us to consider diverse perspectives and promote change. This is particularly important for future generations as they step into the workforce to take on the roles of the preceding generations. If AI serves as a way to replace humans, it could result in losing vital skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. These skills help to solve current issues and create a brighter future for generations to come; it is important to continue on the legacy. Also, the mass use of AI will leave irreversible damaging environmental effects on the planet that will affect future generations living and health conditions. It is important to take action to prevent the damaging effects.
Diversity is also crucial for advancing AI innovation and sustainability in an equitable manner. Currently, there is an uneven distribution of AI's environmental impacts. Many countries worldwide reap the benefits of experiencing AI while others face harsh and unfair environmental impacts. For example, the United States and China paved the way for AI as they have made the most advanced technology and research discoveries around AI. While the two countries compete for the leading spot, many countries in the global majority countries and islands are left behind. They face challenges in accessing AI technology due to the immense energy and water consumption needed to power the technology. Instead of being able to experience the use of AI technology, they experience the damaging environmental effects that other countries produce, like greenhouse gas emissions.
AI is here to stay, but it requires significant adjustments. Creating better, more equitable, and sustainable AI systems is essential for global innovation. This improvement is crucial not only to tackle current issues but also to build a better future for future generations. Individuals, organizations, and governments must come together to create sustainable AI systems and technologies. Creating sustainable AI systems can be accomplished by incorporating and implementing regulations that promote ethical AI practices, investing in green technologies, and ensuring that AI solutions are inclusive and accessible to all. With sustainability and ethics at the forefront of future innovation, it will lead to a much more equitable, greener, and healthier future.
a global affairs media network
Making AI systems more sustainable, equitable
Photo by Artem Sapegin on Unsplash
December 17, 2024
AI is here to stay and will undoubtedly have powerful impacts for the good. But making sure it’s for the good of everybody requires we solve for sustainability and diversity, writes GirlSecurity’s Eniola Aloba.
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rtificial Intelligence (AI) has become ingrained in society, and as it advances, it is expected to improve many industries by mimicking human intelligence to perform various tasks. While the benefits of AI are significant, the rapid growth and development leaves numerous concerns for the future, including the need for sustainability and diversity. As AI continues to be developed, it leaves an immense environmental mess behind that needs to be cleaned up expeditiously. To address this challenge, individuals, organizations, and governments must collaborate in establishing concrete regulations, policies, and boundaries that establish both the safe and ethical use of technology. Additionally, the need for diversity and youth is particularly crucial in shaping society. It is crucial for new perspectives and ideas to be considered when tackling AI—something that is bound to impact the planet for generations to come.
AI is growing into a surprisingly significant contributor to global warming. For example, its large energy consumption, mainly from constantly run data centers, is alarming. It is estimated that data centers in China consume about 1.3 billion cubic meters yearly, which can lead to water scarcity. It's crucial to find solutions to undo the damage already done. If no action is taken, effects of climate change will only worsen, leading to more extreme weather events which will leave irreversible health impacts on individuals for generations to come.
Thus, focusing on sustainability as a key pillar in advancing AI innovation globally is crucial. This task requires collaboration between individuals from all fields and backgrounds such as: government officials, students, minorities, policy makers, and the general public. By working together, we can ensure that AI is a tool to support humans, rather than replace them, and that sustainability is at the forefront of AI innovation.
With this being so new, bringing various mindsets together will enable us to consider diverse perspectives and promote change. This is particularly important for future generations as they step into the workforce to take on the roles of the preceding generations. If AI serves as a way to replace humans, it could result in losing vital skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. These skills help to solve current issues and create a brighter future for generations to come; it is important to continue on the legacy. Also, the mass use of AI will leave irreversible damaging environmental effects on the planet that will affect future generations living and health conditions. It is important to take action to prevent the damaging effects.
Diversity is also crucial for advancing AI innovation and sustainability in an equitable manner. Currently, there is an uneven distribution of AI's environmental impacts. Many countries worldwide reap the benefits of experiencing AI while others face harsh and unfair environmental impacts. For example, the United States and China paved the way for AI as they have made the most advanced technology and research discoveries around AI. While the two countries compete for the leading spot, many countries in the global majority countries and islands are left behind. They face challenges in accessing AI technology due to the immense energy and water consumption needed to power the technology. Instead of being able to experience the use of AI technology, they experience the damaging environmental effects that other countries produce, like greenhouse gas emissions.
AI is here to stay, but it requires significant adjustments. Creating better, more equitable, and sustainable AI systems is essential for global innovation. This improvement is crucial not only to tackle current issues but also to build a better future for future generations. Individuals, organizations, and governments must come together to create sustainable AI systems and technologies. Creating sustainable AI systems can be accomplished by incorporating and implementing regulations that promote ethical AI practices, investing in green technologies, and ensuring that AI solutions are inclusive and accessible to all. With sustainability and ethics at the forefront of future innovation, it will lead to a much more equitable, greener, and healthier future.
