New study shows how AI development might create iPhone-sized waste problem
Tech giants rapid AI development could create massive e-waste problem scientists say. Research shows that by 2030 disposed AI hardware might equal billions of thrown-out smartphones
Chinese and Israeli scientists published a thought-provoking study that shows how quick-paced AI progress might affect our planets e-waste situation (the research came out on oct 28th)
The research points to major tech companies who are investing big money in data-centers and high-powered chips: these companies dont stop updating their hardware to make AI systems work better. The constant need for newer faster computers – creates a growing pile of outdated equipment
The numbers look quite shocking; if nothing changes in AI development speed the amount of thrown away computer parts could reach a scale that equals throwing out about 13-billion smartphones per year by 2030. This comparison helps understand the size of this tech-related issue: its like every person on Earth throwing away two phones each year
The scientists looked at how Silicon Valley companies race to build better AI affects hardware use. They found that data-centers (which are huge buildings full of computers) need constant updates; this means perfectly working but slightly older machines get replaced with newer ones
