AI's Dirty Secret: Tech Giants Turn to Fossil Fuels to Power the Future

A Technological Appetite

Here we are in the heartland of America Oklahoma City. A gathering of tech titans and energy moguls a scene reminiscent of a watering hole where the most peculiar of creatures converge. But instead of wildebeest and zebras we have Amazon and Nvidia companies known for their commitment to renewable energy now eyeing the very fuel they once sought to avoid: fossil fuels. You see the relentless march of Artificial Intelligence is not without its consequences. This burgeoning technology with its insatiable appetite for power is forcing a reckoning. 'The question is,' as I often ponder while observing a particularly ambitious dung beetle 'can our planet sustain such voracity?'

A Political Sea Change

The political currents have shifted like a capricious tide. The previous administration championed renewable energy but now under President Trump the winds favor fossil fuels. As the poet Tennyson said 'The old order changeth yielding place to new.' This change has cast a long shadow altering the calculus for these tech giants. They find themselves in a landscape where the pursuit of clean energy is complicated by the immediate need for immense power. It is a predicament as delicate as a hummingbird hovering over a flower poised between sustenance and survival. The situation reminds of the time I encountered a Komodo dragon eyeing a rather plump pig; it was all about survival wasn't it?

The All of the Above Approach

Amazon in a move that might raise a few eyebrows amongst environmentalists is advocating for an 'all of the above' approach. Kevin Miller Amazon's VP of global data centers openly acknowledged the need for thermal generation to meet short term needs. It's a pragmatic if slightly disheartening stance. Like a chameleon adapting to its surroundings Amazon is adjusting to the realities of the energy market. Yet they assure us their commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2040 remains steadfast. But can they truly have their cake and eat it too? Only time as they say will tell.

Nvidia's Power Play

Nvidia not to be outdone echoes a similar sentiment. 'We just need power,' declares Josh Parker their senior director of corporate sustainability. A rather blunt assessment wouldn't you say? They appear less concerned with the source as long as the juice flows. Some customers prioritize clean energy; others well not so much. It's a stark reminder that in the tech world as in the animal kingdom survival often trumps idealism. Though I must admit I do prefer observing the mating rituals of the birds of paradise; a far more uplifting affair.

The Ghost of Coal

Now the specter of coal looms large. President Trump in his infinite wisdom seeks to resurrect this ancient energy source citing the demands of AI. But the tech executives tread cautiously wary of the environmental implications. When asked about the role of coal they remain diplomatically silent. It's a dance as delicate as a spider spinning its web knowing one wrong move could shatter the entire structure. Anthropic co founder Jack Clark rightly points out there are other options though coal is not at the top of their list. One can only hope they consider the long term consequences of their choices for the sake of our planet.

A Call to Action

Ultimately this situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face. The insatiable demand for energy driven by technological progress clashes with our urgent need to combat climate change. It is a conundrum that demands innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability. As I've always said 'No one will protect what they don't care about and no one will care about what they have never experienced.' Let us hope that the tech industry with its immense resources and influence can rise to the occasion and lead us towards a greener future or else 'we are inflicting damage,' as I always say 'on a scale that is simply awful.'