A video from NowThisImpact, a creator on TikTok, posted a video that discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could exacerbate the climate crisis. The video contains information regarding how the use of AI applications releases large amounts of fossil fuels, as they utilize diesel generators as their power source, and how this can contribute to the worsening of the climate crisis.
Prior to viewing the video, I, like many others, had a rather naive understanding of AI's impact. I saw it as a tool that provided endless advantages, from accessing vast troves of information to facilitating groundbreaking innovations. However, the video shattered this rosy perception, unveiling a sobering truth – AI could potentially exacerbate the ongoing climate crisis.
The video revealed how AI applications, often powered by diesel generators, can contribute to the release of fossil fuels, worsening the very crisis we are struggling to address. As I watched, I felt a wave of guilt. How could I, as a student, have been so disengaged with this critical issue?
The experience was akin to a roller coaster of emotions. At first, I felt disbelief, followed by shame. But as I focused on the message, a realization dawned on me – the urgency of using AI sustainably, not solely for our desires, but with awareness of its environmental impact.
This journey has been transformative. It has shaken my understanding, challenging me to rethink my priorities and consider the consequences of technological advancements. As a student, I am determined to continue learning and become a more informed and conscious citizen, dedicated to finding solutions that prioritize our planet's well-being.