Student reflection on AI energy use
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This lecture focuses on the ecological west and how history has shaped its current state. I always find it surprising how there is always a way to trace climate change to the past. The ecological west is no exception as it goes all the way back to the finding of the United Staes. Funny enough, current anthropogenic practices were seen as a desirable way to conquer the west (i.e. clearing forests, draining swamps, clearing the land) to mimic England. This challenges the current assumptions that climate change and environmental problems are modern issues. It highlights how our actions throughout time have been shaped by economic prosperity, culture, and desire to control natural resources. What can be considered progress has shaped the current state of the ecological west and has laid the foundation for most of the issues we face today. To me, this just shows that we must examine historical patterns as human intervention and cultural values have created today’s “natural” environment.
Overall, this lecture made me think about our past patterns and how we should move forward. Glynn Isaac’s quote shared during lecture, “Civilizations do not usually collapse from because of politics or social stride for warfare, they collapse because they destroy the ecology that supports them. This fuels social and political problems that lead to the civilizations collapse”, puts everything into perspective. For the most part, I consider myself to be optimistic with the future as things are not usually as bad as we portray them. However, I am human, and I do fall into pessimistic thinking. Lately, the rise of artificial intelligence has been a lot on my mind and its impact towards a sustainable future. As we move forward in this “AI race”, are we prepared to face the challenges associated with it? The demand for our natural resources will undoubtedly experience a drastic spike, especially water. Will fighting for water access be a new thing we would have to worry about? Innovations like these are not inherently good or bad, it really depends on the value and use we give them. If history has shown us anything, prioritizing short term economic gains over the environment can lead to long-term consequences. The two can co-exist, we just have to find a way to not deplete our resources.
Just like it has been pointed out throughout the semester, we have the solutions to address our current challenges. When Dr. Culhane brought up geothermal energy (especially out west), I immediately thought it could be used to meet the energy demands for AI data centers. Per, Rhodium Group (2025), Geothermal can meet 100% of anticipated data center demand growth in largest markets, such as Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth, using the most promising cooling approach. Artificial intelligence is coming to stay, and we might as well make sure it’s implemented into systems that promote environmental balance. If we take the lessons learned from our past actions and apply them to current technologies, we can achieve a sustainable future. Development and progress does not have to come at the expense of environmental health, but achieving a balance will require forward thinking and intentional actions.
Rhodium Group. The Potential for Geothermal Energy to Meet Growing Data Center Electricity Demand. 11 Mar. 2025.
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