In this episode,from the Series: Fixing the Tech Footprint the speakers argue AI & cloud computing have shifted from immaterial service into heavy industry.

AI differs from earlier platforms as each use needs computation, energy & water, ending near zero marginal cost & driving expansion of data centres & chips. AI & data centres now use several percent of global energy.

The discussion examines GPU & semiconductor production, from fabrication plants to extraction & chemical use. Short lifecycles & weak recycling raise e waste & further extraction. Then to data centre construction, noting the carbon intensity of concrete, steel and copper and impacts on grids & communities.

They argue neutrality claims, offsets & purchase agreements present growth as sustainable while s ...