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Generative AI Raises Environmental Concerns with Carbon Emissions and 10 Billion iPhones Worth of E-Waste

Oct 28, 2024, 04:02 PM

The rapid advancement of generative AI technology is raising significant environmental concerns. The increased computing requirements for AI model learning and inference are contributing to substantial carbon emissions, making it challenging for tech companies to meet sustainability goals. Google recently ended its efforts to reduce carbon impact due to these challenges. Furthermore, the industry is projected to generate the e-waste equivalent of 10 billion iPhones per year by 2030. This surge in e-waste poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for smarter tech usage and innovative solutions to mitigate the impact.