Hidden Impacts of AI on Environment

Nada Nour, staff writer

From virtual assistants like Siri, to search recommendations on online streaming services, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a tremendous impact on our lives. However, very few realize the hidden impacts behind its ease. Since 2020 alone, AI adaptation has increased by 270 percent nationwide. With such rapid growth in its use, it is necessary to understand its effects. So, while most people report using AI once or twice a day, the truth is AI is hidden in almost all modern-day tech. AI is the ability of a machine to perform human intelligence tasks, such as problem solving and critical thinking. With such complex abilities, many people tend to fear the future consequences of AI. 

By far, AI’s most frightening impact is its effect on the ecosystem around us. For AI to work, it needs large data centers to collect and process data. Like any other factory, it needs a big quantity of energy, not to mention the tons of water needed to cool these factories down. In 2023, data centers in the U.S. used 17 billion gallons of water for cooling alone. To put this in perspective, it’s the equivalent of three water bottles per question on ChatGPT or related sources. So, every time you go to ask ChatGPT a question, you are burning through a bunch of water and electricity you didn't even know existed. 

“But don’t other factories, such as iron, also use a bunch of energy, why is it a bigger issue when it comes to AI?” said senior Lena Zienelabdien. 

While it’s true that big industries such as iron, chemical and steel also use large quantities of water, it’s the sheer amount of increased AI use that is truly frightening. By 2030 alone, AI use is suspected to increase by over 50 percent, leading to numerous problems. 

Beyond its environmental impact, AI is also altering human development in several ways. AI can help facilitate students' growth by creating individualized plans to help children grow and learn. Many teachers say that in their experience of teaching, AI has helped improve students' comprehension and understanding of crucial topics. While AI can stimulate educational interactions, it can never replicate human empathy. A Harvard Study done by Jill Anderson revealed that because of AI’s easy and accessible use, many children are looking to AI for companionship rather than their peers. This is becoming a genuine concern to parents as kids are no longer engaging in relationship-building conversions, specifically ones that spark follow up questions and curiosity. 

While AI has plenty of its downsides, its positive effects can’t be denied. In healthcare, AI has greatly assisted the advancement of biomedical technology allowing for the faster and earlier detection of diseases and various disorders, saving numerous lives. In addition, many students report that AI helped them progress in their education by helping them target specific weak points and providing them with individualized plans to target them. So, when used responsibly, AI can help the lives of many. 

With all this in mind, how has it affected the Johns Creek community specifically? Georgia has invested millions in the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (AIM). Specifically in Johns Creek, AI has been funded into the building of new architecture, as well as to facilitate the building of new roads. More importantly, healthcare organizations in the Atlanta area, such as Emory, have started really implementing AI in biomedical research facilities advancing overall healthcare.