請依下文回答第 36 題至第 40 題 Two months after its release in November 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT had 100 million active users,and suddenly tech corporations were racing to offer the public more “generative AI.” One consequenceof the explosion of artificial intelligence is clear: this technology’s environmental footprint is large andgrowing.
AI use is directly responsible for carbon emissions from non-renewable electricity and for theconsumption of millions of gallons of fresh water, and it indirectly boosts impacts from building andmaintaining the power-hungry equipment on which AI runs. Globally, the number of cloud data centers,which house a multitude of computers performing complex calculations for AI operations, is estimated tobe between approximately 9,000 and 11,000. More are under construction. The International EnergyAgency (IEA) projects that data centers’ electricity consumption in 2026 will double that of 2022 — 1,000terawatts, roughly equivalent to Japan’s current total consumption. Moreover, AI data centers require asignificant amount of water due to their cooling needs. These facilities generate a lot of heat because ofthe intense computation performed by the servers. To prevent overheating and maintain optimalperformance, these servers need to be cooled down, which is often achieved through water-based coolingsystems.
In conclusion, the rapid advancement and adoption of artificial intelligence have undeniably broughtabout a new era of technological innovation. However, this progress comes with a significantenvironmental cost. The increasing reliance on AI has led to a surge in carbon emissions, waterconsumption, and the construction of power-intensive infrastructure. As we look towards the future, it iscrucial that we balance the benefits of AI with its environmental impact. The challenge lies in harnessingthe power of AI while mitigating its ecological footprint, ensuring a sustainable future for all.