Final sneak peak before launch day of my latest book with Astra Taylor

(Big Tech data-centers are increasing fossil fuel use and GHGs, while the executives are making prophecies that “AI will fix it”)

    • PotatoesFall@discuss.tchncs.de
      152·
      3 days ago

      Solar power and other renewables are, by nature, decentralized. A single solar array won’t be able to cover the needs of a data center during the night or on a cloudy day either. But much more importantly: While there is obviously big players in renewables, they don’t produce oligarchs in the same way fossil fuels do. Power likes to make deals with power, because together they reach new heights of exploitation.

    • hayvan@piefed.worldEnglish
      7·
      3 days ago

      That requires investment, planning, management, extra land for the amount of panels needed etc. Using fossil fuels is easy and compact. You just bring a bunch of engine powered generators and pump the fuel.

      • MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Also extra transmission distance for the power if you’re doing solar. I’d be surprised if those datacenters weren’t right on top of the generators. Or below. Whatever.

      • Jiral@lemmy.world
        9·
        2 days ago

        Only other thing required is to ignore the law and environmental protection regulations but that is no big deal in the US it seems.

  • e8CArkcAuLE@piefed.socialEnglish
    12·
    2 days ago

    There has been no greater gift to fossil-fuel fortunes than the high-tech arms race to reach AGI.

    it appears they all know WWIII is inevitable and are racing to get AGI beforehand to come out on the winning side

    • mushroommunk@lemmy.today
      6·
      2 days ago

      I don’t think it’s WWIII, they’re transhumanists. Several of them are quite open about it. They believe they will be able to integrate into the machines and then a livable planet won’t matter to them anymore.

      Peter Thiel especially has been quite vocal about wanting this outcome and wanting to selectively enhance “the best” of humanity. All of these tech bros are sniffing the same glue and believe they are ushering in our ascension beyond physical needs.

    • dumnezero@piefed.socialOPEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      oh, bud, they don’t have sides. They side with wealth; if anything, they’ll sell AI services to all those who can pay. That’s how the weapons business works.