Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to help reduce carbon emissions and water use, but it also has a significant climate impact due to its energy consumption. Companies and users can take steps to reduce AI’s climate impact by avoiding unnecessary integration, considering the location of AI models, and using alternative sources of water. In other news, the Supreme Court is taking up a case on whether states can regulate social media platform moderation, Apple faces a crackdown in China that could affect its App Store, and there is a discussion about having a modern career without relying on smartphones.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI’s climate impact | From high energy consumption and carbon emissions to energy-efficient AI systems | AI systems will be designed to minimize energy consumption and carbon emissions | The need to reduce the environmental impact of AI technology |
| Modern career without a smartphone | From smartphone dependency to finding alternative ways to balance work and personal life | Some individuals may choose to use “dumb phones” for healthier work-life balance | Desire for healthier work-life balance and reducing smartphone dependence |
| AI reducing carbon emissions and water use | From high carbon emissions and water use to more efficient and eco-friendly practices | AI technologies will be used to improve efficiency, reduce vapor trails, forecast floods, recommend eco-friendly routes, and simplify clean power access | The need to address climate change and improve sustainability practices |
| Apple’s App Store crackdown in China | From unregulated access to foreign apps to stricter enforcement of app rules | Apple’s App Store in China will have fewer unregistered foreign apps | Chinese regulations and restrictions on internet access |
| Overheating issue with iPhone 15 | From overheating issues to resolved software updates | iPhone 15 will have a software update to address overheating | Resolving technical issues and improving user experience |
| Supreme Court case on social media platform moderation | From limited state regulation to potential regulation on moderation practices | Supreme Court ruling on whether states can regulate content moderation | Legal debate on moderation practices and First Amendment rights |