The energy and environmental impact of AI and how it undermines democracy
Summary
An analysis of the environmental costs of AI, including energy and water use, alongside its impact on democratic processes, corporate power, and community rights.
Key quotes
the real question is not whether artificial intelligence can do useful things in theory. It is who owns it, who profits from it, what it is mostly being used for, and who pays the environmental and political bill
the system being built right now is already redistributing power upwards while pushing environmental costs and information risks outwards
AI data centre electricity demand could be 11 times higher in 2030 than in 2023 unless governments intervene
The article examines the physical infrastructure of the AI boom, specifically focusing on data centers and chip manufacturing. It discusses community resistance to AI expansion and the political implications of Big Tech’s influence.