The massive computer clusters powering artificial intelligence consume vast quantities to answer the world’s queries, but how is Big Tech redressing the balance?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/32023985

Writing a 100-word email using ChatGPT (GPT-4, latest model) consumes 1 x 500ml bottle of water It uses 140Wh of energy, enough for 7 full charges of an iPhone Pro Max

  • Prunebutt@slrpnk.netOP
    2·
    22 hours ago

    The solution isn’t to scale down economy, its to replace fossil fuels with nuclear and renewables

    There’s not enough resources in the world to keep our current economic output while also switching to renewables. I think you unerestimate the energy density of fossil fuels.

    Fossil fuels aren’t only used by power plants and cars. The whole steel industry relies on fossils. How are you gonna supply heavy industry and electric cars and datacenters and desalination plants while also phasing out fossil power plants.

    Not even talking about the problems with nuclear.

    • BlackLaZoR@fedia.io
      11·
      21 hours ago

      There’s not enough resources in the world to keep our current economic output while also switching to renewables.

      Well, you’re wrong. For example in France almost all electricity comes from mix of nuclear and renewable sources.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_France

      Around 70% nuclear, 11% hydro and only like 7,5% from fossil (rest are solar, wind and biomass)

      Switching transportation to electric is much more difficult but it’s happening. 10 years ago, electric cars just weren’t a thing.