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AI Triggers 150% Surge in Indirect Emissions Among Tech Giants: UN Report
- Indirect carbon emissions from major AI-focused tech giants have increased by an average of 150% between 2020 and 2023, driven by the energy demands of AI-powered data centers.
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that the reliance on AI technology has led to a significant rise in electricity consumption, growing four times faster than global electricity demand.
- Amazon saw the highest surge in operational carbon emissions at 182%, followed by Microsoft at 155%, Meta at 145%, and Alphabet at 138% over the three-year period.
- Top AI systems are projected to emit up to 102.6 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, putting strain on global energy infrastructure.
- Indirect emissions, known as Scope 2 emissions, come from purchased electricity and account for the rise in carbon footprint among digital companies.
- While many tech firms have pledged to reduce emissions, the ITU report indicates a lack of tangible progress in cutting emissions.
- Meta and Amazon emphasize efforts to reduce emissions through sustainability initiatives and investments in carbon-free energy sources like nuclear and renewables.
- Microsoft focuses on energy-saving technologies like chip-level liquid cooling systems in data centers.
- The report underscores the necessity for the tech industry to balance innovation with sustainability as AI development continues to accelerate.
- A study on ChatGPT's water consumption revealed that the AI chatbot consumes 0.5 litres of water during extended conversations with users.
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