# AI – Is it Just a Hype? - Link: https://jarlhalla.com/ai-is-it-just-a-hype/ - Published: 2023-07-27T23:18:14+02:00 - Author: knoksen # AI – Is it Just a Hype? # Unveiling the Power Struggle! --- ## Introduction AI – Is it Just a Hype? In the ever-evolving world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the talk of the town. From futuristic quantum tech giants to everyday gadgets with AI capabilities, it seems like we can’t escape its influence. But amidst this AI revolution, there’s a dark reality we can’t ignore – the power crisis and the energy sector’s lack of investments. This article dives deep into the power requirements of AI, raises questions about our consumerist culture, and highlights the environmental repercussions we face Is AI just a hype? Let’s find out! ##   ## The Power Hungry AI Revolution AI has undoubtedly made our lives easier, with smart assistants, predictive algorithms, and self-driving cars, among other innovations. However, the power needed to run these AI systems is far from trivial. Quantum tech giants may be “making” us believe that we need AI in every aspect of our lives, but the energy consumption of these systems is enormous, and it’s only getting more demanding. ###   ### AI – Is it Just a Hype? ### The Power Struggle in the Energy Sector Around 2015, the investment in the power and energy sector hit an all-time low. With little focus on developing sustainable and efficient energy sources, we are struggling to meet the demands of our existing energy needs, let alone the power-hungry AI applications. The question we should be asking ourselves is, can we continue to fuel AI’s growth with our current energy infrastructure? ###   ### The Unfathomable Power Needs of AI and AGI AI’s potential to evolve into Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a cause for concern. Imagine powering an Android or Cyborg with human-like brain capacity. The energy requirements for such a feat are mind-boggling. Do people truly comprehend the sheer magnitude of power necessary to enable such advanced AI systems? ## A Call to Get Realistic ### Ditching the “Crap” We Don’t Need Our modern society is plagued by consumerism, driven by big companies’ constant push for more sales. We buy things we don’t really need, solely because we are led to believe that they enhance our lives. It’s time to break free from this cycle and question our choices. When do we have enough cheap gadgets, cars, and houses? Let’s focus on what truly matters and reduce the strain on our resources. ### The Energy Crisis and the Environment Our reckless consumption patterns have dire consequences for the environment. The energy crisis, combined with the excessive energy consumption of AI, is pushing our planet to its limits. Even the natural mechanisms that cool our planet are changing drastically. It’s a wake-up call that we can’t afford to ignore any longer. ### Is it Too Late to Save Earth? The question of whether it’s too late to save our home planet, Earth, looms over us. The damage caused by years of neglect is evident, and the consequences are far- reaching. Our actions, or lack thereof, have put us in a precarious position. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, it’s time for collective action. ## What Can We Do About It? AI – Is it Just a Hype? ### Embracing Sustainable Technologies One way to mitigate the energy crisis and AI’s power demands is to invest in sustainable technologies. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector. Governments, businesses, and individuals must prioritize sustainable practices and support innovation in the energy field. ### Responsible Consumption and Production As consumers, we hold the power to influence the market. By making conscious choices and supporting companies committed to sustainability, we can create a demand for eco-friendly products and services. Responsible consumption and production practices are essential for a sustainable future. ### Educating and Raising Awareness Education is the key to change. We must educate ourselves and others about the impact of AI, energy consumption, and environmental issues. Raising awareness can spark meaningful discussions and drive positive action at all levels of society. ## FAQs **Q1: Is AI really power-hungry?** A1: Yes, AI applications, especially as they advance into AGI, require substantial power and energy resources to function efficiently. **Q2: Can renewable energy sources meet AI’s power needs?** A2: Yes, investing in and developing renewable energy sources can help mitigate the power demands of AI and promote sustainability. **Q3: How can individuals contribute to addressing the power crisis?** A3: By adopting responsible consumption habits, supporting sustainable technologies, and raising awareness about the energy crisis and environmental issues. ## AI – Is it Just a Hype? Conclusion AI – Is it just a hype? The answer lies in the intersection of AI’s potential and the energy sector’s challenges. While AI has transformed the way we live and work, it comes with a high price – a substantial demand for power. The low investments in the power and energy sector, coupled with our consumerist culture, pose a threat to our planet’s well-being. To secure a sustainable future, we must acknowledge the power crisis and the colossal energy requirements of AI and AGI. By getting realistic about our consumption habits and investing in renewable energy sources, we can pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence between technology and the environment. It might feel like we are on the brink of catastrophe, but we still have a chance to make a difference. Let’s act now, before it’s too late, and together, we can shape a better world for generations to come. --- The total energy consumption per year varies by country and region. According to Our World in Data, global energy consumption has increased nearly every year for more than half a century. In 2018, the world energy supply and consumption was : ## **167,000 TWh^(2).    ** Enerdata reports that the growth in global energy consumption halved in 2022 (from +4.9% in 2021 to 2.1% in 2022)^(3). In 2018, OpenAI found that the amount of computational power used to train the largest AI models had doubled every **3.4 months** since 2012. The San Francisco-based for-profit AI research lab has now added new data to its analysis.  Another article on Bloomberg states that training GPT-3, which is a single general- purpose AI program that can generate language and has many different uses, took 1.287 gigawatt hours,or about as much electricity  ** as 120 US homes **would consume in a year!  The computing power needed to train AI is now rising seven times faster than ever before!!   Bitcoin uses    **128 terawa****t****t-hours**        annually and is responsible for **0.59%** of total worldwide energy consumption.   > _**[World energy supply and consumption – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_energy_supply_and_consumption)**_ AI – Is it Just a Hype?