Rethinking the Energy Question in AI and Climate Change

When it comes to conversations about climate change and artificial intelligence, the number one concern that always comes up is energy. People are quick to point out that AI consumes massive amounts of power to process even a single inquiry. And they’re right. Data centers require enormous energy, much of which today isn’t green, not by global standards, and certainly not by the standards I believe we should hold ourselves to.

Here’s my response: don’t worry about it. Not in the way you think.

Understanding energy consumption in AI requires stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. You have to look at how current industries operate, how economic pillars are structured, and how these pillars are attempting to transition into the future we are building. I am being kind here: let’s pretend this energy use oversight is transitional. The reality is far from perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s a long-term crisis.

The truth is, the energy challenge in AI isn’t insurmountable. There are solutions. Not the obvious ones most people imagine. This isn’t about small optimizations or half-measures; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we create, store, and distribute energy at scale, and how we integrate that with intelligent systems.

I recently heard a tech CEO talking about ambitions to build data centers in space. Now, if the goal is to extend humanity’s reach and infrastructure into the cosmos, I can see the logic. But if the intention is to solve Earth-bound energy problems by sending our problems into orbit, that’s shortsighted. It’s a natural urge, born of good intentions, but it’s not intelligent—it’s not a future-oriented solution.

So here’s the real takeaway: everyone needs to relax. Let’s brush up on our basic sciences. Let’s clear our minds and focus on tapping into our internal creative processes. The future isn’t something to fear; it’s something to co-create. The possibilities that lie ahead—across climate, technology, and society—are far greater than you can imagine or think right now.

The energy question is just the beginning. If we approach it with intelligence, creativity, and courage, we’ll find that the solutions are already waiting for us sometimes in places we least expect.

Peace,

Jameel

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