AI Emissions: Addressing the Carbon Footprint

As artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of our everyday lives, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of these technologies. From revolutionising healthcare to transforming industries, AI is changing the world. However, behind its transformative potential lies a hidden cost: the significant carbon footprint of AI models and the vast energy required to power them. ​

AI is often heralded as a key driver of the future, but its environmental toll is increasingly under scrutiny. The energy needed to train large AI models, such as language models like GPT-3, is substantial. A study by MIT showed that training such a model can emit as much CO2 as five cars over their entire lifetimes. This is due to the immense electricity required to run the data centres that house these models, which often rely on non-renewable energy sources.
​
As the demand for AI grows, so does the energy consumption of the data centres that support it. These centres are the backbone of the tech industry, but they contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in regions where electricity is generated from fossil fuels. While there are some efforts to adopt cleaner energy sources, many parts of the AI infrastructure still rely on power grids with high carbon emissions.

With AI becoming more widespread, it’s critical that we ask: How can we harness the power of AI while reducing its carbon footprint?

The Role of Inclusivity in Sustainable Tech
It’s not enough to simply develop energy-efficient AI models; we need to bring diverse, innovative perspectives to the table to find real solutions. The tech community has often been criticised for its lack of diversity, which can hinder the creativity and problem-solving needed to tackle global issues such as climate change.

A diverse and inclusive tech workforce can bring forward new ideas and solutions that might otherwise be overlooked. When it comes to AI emissions, a broader range of voices, from researchers to engineers to environmental advocates, can work together to create sustainable, eco-friendly innovations. The more perspectives we have, the more holistic and impactful the solutions will be.

Sustainability should be at the heart of every tech innovation, and it’s only through the power of diverse voices that we can ensure AI evolves in a way that benefits both society and the planet.

Practical Ways to Reduce AI Emissions 
While the challenges surrounding AI emissions are significant, there are several steps that companies can take to reduce their environmental impact. Here are a few strategies that could make a big difference:

1. Adopt Energy-Efficient Hardware: The development of specialised chips, such as AI accelerators, can help reduce the energy consumption required for training and running AI models.
2. Use Renewable Energy: Many data centres still rely on non-renewable energy sources. By switching to renewable energy, the carbon footprint of AI can be significantly reduced.
3. Optimise Algorithms: Research is ongoing into making AI models more energy-efficient. By developing algorithms that require less data and computation, we can reduce the environmental cost of training these models.
4. Support Green AI Research: Encouraging further research into AI technologies that reduce energy consumption is crucial. By prioritising sustainability in AI development, we can ensure the future of technology is both innovative and eco-friendly.
5. Collaborate Across Sectors: Governments, tech companies, and environmental organisations must work together to set regulations, standards, and incentives that promote green AI practices across the industry.

​
Tech for Inclusion: Bringing Together Innovators for the Future
Events like Tech for Inclusion are designed to foster collaboration among diverse voices in tech, with a  focus on Inclusion in the Age of AI. The event brings together leading experts, innovators, and activists to discuss not just the latest developments in tech, but the responsibility that comes with them. Shining a spotlight on speakers who will address inclusion in AI, as well as the importance of inclusive tech development. 

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of the conversation! Register for Tech for Inclusion and join us in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for AI and technology. We look forward to seeing you there! ​