June 10th, 2023
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize various industries, there is a growing concern about its impact on the environment and society.
ChatGPT has long surpassed 100 million users and hundreds of AI platforms have been launched as open source in 2023 alone.
While AI brings unprecedented opportunities for changing the way we do business, we must also examine its sustainability as a business practice. What is the impact of AI on people, wellbeing, poverty, and equality?
Carbon emissions:
AI relies heavily on vast amounts of computing power, which often translates into significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. The training of AI models requires high-performance computing systems that consume substantial amounts of electricity and as more people use it, the more work it is doing. The data centres powering these systems contribute to carbon footprints, with estimates suggesting that the carbon emissions from AI could reach 3.2 gigatons (yes that’s a thing!) by 2025.
Hardware manufacture:
The environmental impact of AI extends beyond carbon emissions. The manufacturing of hardware components, such as semiconductors, and the disposal of electronic waste contribute to resource depletion and pollution. Efforts are being made to develop more energy-efficient hardware and promote responsible recycling practices, but these are not yet widespread.
Impact on people, wellbeing, poverty and equality:
It’s hard to fully predict at the current time, the true impact that open-source AI will have on people and society. One major concern being raised is the replacement of people in roles that will now be taken over by AI, resulting in unemployment and poor economic impact on certain communities.
There are also concerns that the benefits of AI might be concentrated in the hands of a few large corporations, potentially widening the wealth gap and exacerbating existing social inequalities.
Striving for Sustainable AI Practices:
To make AI a sustainable business practice, several strategies can be adopted:
· Energy Efficiency: Encouraging research and development of energy-efficient algorithms, hardware, and data centres can reduce the carbon footprint of AI technologies.
· Responsible Data Usage: Businesses should prioritize ethical data collection, storage, and utilization practices, ensuring privacy and consent to prevent bias and discrimination.
· Inclusivity and Equality: Promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workforce can help ensure that AI benefits all members of society.
· Regulatory Frameworks: Governments and international organizations need to establish regulatory frameworks that govern AI development, usage, and accountability, to address ethical concerns and safeguarding against misuse. A number of lawsuits have already taken place including a recent case where a group of artists claimed mass copyright infringement of their work.
The sustainability of AI as a business practice involves carefully balancing innovation and environmental responsibility. While AI seems exciting in improving efficiency and solving complex challenges, its carbon emissions, resource consumption, and potential impact on people and society are currently concerning. One of the key figures behind AI invention has now said he regrets his involvement in its invention due to the potential threat to humanity. Is he correct? Only time will tell but it is a risk we take.
When considering AI, purpose-driven organisations should address sustainability and think about how much and how often they are comfortable using AI.
Ultimately, working for the long-term wellbeing for all people and planet should be the primary objective and where AI fits into that requires careful consideration.
