Sam Altman Addresses AI’s Energy Consumption Concerns
At a recent event hosted by The Indian Express, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tackled growing concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly focusing on energy and water usage.
Debunking Water Usage Myths
Altman dismissed circulating claims that AI operations, such as those performed by ChatGPT, consume excessive amounts of water per query. He labeled these assertions as totally fake, clarifying that while evaporative cooling in data centers did use significant water in the past, modern practices have evolved. Now that we don’t do that, you see these things on the internet where, ‘Don’t use ChatGPT, it’s 17 gallons of water for each query’ or whatever, Altman stated. This is completely untrue, totally insane, no connection to reality.
Addressing Energy Consumption
While acknowledging that AI’s total energy consumption is a valid concern due to its widespread use, Altman emphasized the need for a swift transition to sustainable energy sources. He advocated for a move towards nuclear, wind, and solar energy to meet the growing demands of AI technologies.
Comparing AI and Human Energy Use
Altman highlighted the substantial energy required to train AI models but pointed out that human development also demands significant resources. He noted that it takes approximately 20 years of life and all the food consumed during that time for a human to become knowledgeable. Additionally, the collective evolution of around 100 billion people has contributed to human intelligence. Therefore, when comparing the energy needed for AI to answer a question versus a human, AI may already be more energy-efficient.
The Need for Transparency
Altman acknowledged the lack of legal requirements for tech companies to disclose their energy and water usage, leading scientists to conduct independent studies. He recognized that data centers have been linked to rising electricity prices and stressed the importance of transparency in addressing environmental concerns.
Conclusion
Altman’s remarks underscore the necessity of balancing AI advancements with environmental responsibility. By debunking myths and advocating for sustainable energy solutions, he aims to address the ecological footprint of AI technologies.
