However, as with all powerful tools, there's a darker side to consider: AI's insatiable hunger for computing power. As AI models become more complex, their insatiable thirst for data and processing capacity translates to a growing carbon footprint. A recent study paints a stark picture: AI servers could consume up to 0.5% of the world's current electricity use by 2027 – about the same as several small countries combined. For Asia – already the world’s largest carbon emitter – its growing appetite for AI could spell trouble if adoption is not balanced with one eye on its impact on the environment.
2023 has been defined by artificial intelligence (AI) – McKinsey calls it AI’s breakout year, with their survey showing one-third of all respondents are using generative AI (gen AI) regularly in at least one business function. This is unsurprising, given the massive efficiency and productivity gains that come with gen AI. Asia, in particular, has emerged frontrunner in the global race to adopt gen AI. A separate survey by EY noted that nearly all business leaders surveyed in the region have already invested, or are planning to, significantly in the technology.
The optimisation and efficiency benefits unlocked by AI have become so prominent that even discussions at this year’s COP28, a critical climate change-focused conference, cast a spotlight on AI’s role in alleviating our climate issues. The discussions around AI’s role in combating climate change, and the number of high-profile partnerships on AI-centric solutions resulting from the summit bear strong testament toward AI as one of the “heroes” in the race to build a more sustainable world.
