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Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are hungry, hungry hippos
Dim the lights in your house? Warming the planet more? Both artificial intelligence (AI) and bitcoin mining are progressing this way in their massive use of energy for all the computing power needed.
In the April 2024 issue of Physics today, David Kramer explains how artificial intelligence in Chat-GPT or added to Google searches will massively increase electricity use, equal to the total energy demand of the Netherlands by 2027. We launch user cryptocurrency mining of Bitcoin, Ethereum and others; THE Caretaker notes that energy consumption matches that of Sweden. Are these massive uses productive?
Various studies show that many, perhaps most, companies are jumping into AI in so-so or poorly planned ways, out of “fear of missing out.” Of course, there are productive ways. Our son, David, uses a form of artificial intelligence, machine learning, as a team working to develop brain implants to help disabled people. The cryptocurrencies used currently are at best a form of gambling with huge swings in value, and at worst, a way to make illegal transactions in drugs and more.
Some companies see legitimate uses, such as for secure banking, adapting cryptocurrency blockchain technology. This is a good step; banks have a poor record on cybersecurity. The mix of AI and cryptocurrencies, banking, scientific research, energy networks and climate promises to be quite a wild ride.
This was an outreach activity by Las Cruces Academy, viewable at GreatSchools.org.
Story from Physics today April ’24, American scientist October ’23, phys.org, e The Guardian 29 March ’22
Image: In Physics Today, p. 29