August 2025: Support Clean Artificial Intelligence (AI)
BACKGROUND: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computers programmed to think and learn like humans, allowing them to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, like problem-solving and decision-making. AI will soon have an enormous impact on our environment. Recent estimates suggest that data centers could use 20% of global electricity by 2030–2035! Microsoft's total greenhouse gas emissions have risen over 23% since 2020, much of which has been attributed to its growing AI and cloud data centers. Such massive and abrupt increases in energy use threaten not only to increase global warming, but also to disrupt the electrical infrastructure on which innovative clean energy initiatives depend. In addition, cooling systems for AI data centers consume millions of gallons of fresh water, posing threats to local water supplies and ecosystems everywhere, especially in water-stressed regions.
OpenAI, the tech company behind popular tools like ChatGPT, is valued at nearly $300 billion and is perhaps the largest player specifically focused on AI technologies. Under the leadership of Sam Altman, OpenAI has made a significant commitment to responsible AI development through carbon footprint reduction and active integration of sustainability goals into operations. These commitments are laudable but will soon be tested in a business environment valuing profitability above all, and a national political environment encouraging abandonment of environmental concerns.
ACTION: Companies like OpenAI need to hear that their current and potential customers care about the environment and will favor companies that provide clean AI. Write or email Sam Altman. Tell him that clean AI is important to you and to the wellbeing of our nation and the world. Thank him for his leadership to pursue responsible AI development and urge him to stay the course and increase his company’s efforts to reduce AI’s harmful environmental impacts.
CONTACT:
Sam Altman c/o OpenAI
18th St., San Francisco, CA 94110.
Email: ceo.admin@openai.com
