Disaster Recovery Journal Fall 2023

Sustainable Artificial Intelligence By BRIAN STANISLAUS & CHANDREGOWDA PACHEGOWDA T echnological advancement in products and services is acceler ating the expansion of data cen ters worldwide. Access to data and the availability of data is a focal point for artificial intelli gence (AI) and with the speed and marvel of what AI can produce. AI has become one of the catalysts for increasing the size of data centers. Data centers produce a tremendous amount of energy which may contribute to the increase in CO2 emissions and global warming. Researchers are beginning to address the impact of AI on the environ ment with the astonishing amount of computational power attributed to carbon emissions. While the levels of carbon emissions of all data centers may not be known, we know most data centers use natural gas to power the infrastructure and natural gas contains methane and produces dioxide. The burning of natural gas is one of the causes of this greenhouse gas. The demand for more AI-producing solutions will become more complex as companies research locations not subject to extreme weather events related to cli mate change in order to build more data centers and telecommunication networks. These are just a few of the challenges with AI and its sustainability in the envi ronment with ecological responsibility. In this article, we will explore how AI is pushing the need for larger data centers, the harm it may cause to the environment,

citizens, and what possible solutions can be implemented to help reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable AI Development Digital transformation is starting to

previously identified as concerns. While the digital transformation may seem like a positive direction for companies, it may be considered a selfish act. With this move ment to digitize, pressure is put on data

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center company owners to build larger data cen ters to keep up with the demand for more data. The demand for larger and more data centers is of concern for the environ ment due to the footprint they will have on CO2 emissions. In fact, the growing need for digitiza tion advances some coun tries’ economic standards, while others may be left behind and exposed to the development of data cen ters in their country – if the location and climate both meet requirements. This, in return, will lead to countries emitting larger amounts of CO2 emis sions that increase harm

dominate the industry as it pertains to AI sustainabil ity. A more sustainable AI environment requires development in business models to transform phys ical data to digital format. This process is achieved by automating business processes and workflow algorithms. The concept of digital transformation is appealing to compa nies worldwide and may have a positive impact on companies’ bottom line. However, it may intro duce several concerns which may impact com panies’ financial strength and reputation in the long term. Ethics and the Footprint

The demand for larger and more data centers is of concern for the environment due to the footprint they will have on CO2 emissions.

ful gases, reduce economic advancement, further impoverish citizens, and increase sicknesses. While there are numerous opportuni

Concerns such as ethical responsibility, data privacy, and workforce employment may introduce regulatory oversight not

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34 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | FALL 2023