top of page

Another Crazy Day in AI: What Artificial Intelligence’s Growth Means for Our Resources

Another Crazy Day in AI: An Almost Daily Newsletter

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.


As Thursday night winds down and the weekend peeks around the corner, let’s dive into today’s AI updates! 🌙


A recent episode of Today in Focus dives into the environmental challenges associated with AI expansion in the UK. An environmental reporter, questions the sustainability of data centers, especially with Keir Starmer's ambitious plans to create AI growth zones, starting in a water-scarce area of Oxfordshire. 🌍


Meanwhile, a new uncensored AI chatbot is raising alarms among cybersecurity experts for enabling hackers to create malware and phishing scams. 🚨 On a lighter note, AI agents are stepping up their game, transitioning into autonomous decision-making systems and transforming industries. 🚀


Here's another crazy day in AI:

  • The resource toll of AI expansion

  • Hackers turn to GhostGPT for cybercrime

  • AI agent evolution and the rise of AI-first companies

  • Some AI tools to try out


 

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: How Thirsty Is AI?


Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

Image Credit:Wowza (created with Ideogram)


Have you ever wondered how much water it takes to power the AI we use daily?


The latest episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus, hosted by Michael Safi with Helena Horton, explores the environmental challenges tied to AI expansion, particularly in the UK. Helena Horton, the Guardian's environmental reporter, raises questions about the sustainability of data centers in light of Keir Starmer's ambitious plans to create AI growth zones, starting with one in a water-scarce area of Oxfordshire. The discussion highlights the balance (or imbalance) between innovation and environmental responsibility.


What’s covered in the podcast:

  • Culham, Oxfordshire, one of the first AI growth zones, is already categorized as "severely water-stressed," raising concerns about the feasibility of building data centers there.

  • AI data centers require massive amounts of water for cooling servers, with global water use by AI projected to reach 6.6 billion cubic meters by 2027.

  • Simple AI interactions, like generating a 100-word email, consume as much water as a 500ml bottle—showing how resource-intensive these technologies can be.

  • Critics argue that reliance on AI for climate solutions risks delaying proven approaches like expanding renewable energy systems.

  • Innovations such as Microsoft’s closed-loop cooling systems offer potential, but they come with higher costs that require government regulations or corporate responsibility to implement.




This episode offers a chance to think critically about the environmental cost of technological progress. AI promises incredible advancements in efficiency, productivity, and even tackling global challenges like climate change. However, this progress isn’t without consequences. Data centers—the backbone of AI—place significant demands on limited resources like water and energy, sparking debates about whether we’re trading short-term gains for long-term sustainability.


The conversation also underscores the tension between innovation and accountability. While solutions like renewable energy and water-efficient cooling systems exist, they often take a back seat to rapid growth or cost considerations. As Helena Horton explains, the challenge isn’t whether we should build these technologies but how we build them responsibly. Thoughtful planning and regulation could ensure that AI doesn’t become a drain on critical resources, especially in regions already facing shortages.


Ultimately, balancing innovation with sustainability requires forward-thinking leadership. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can ensure AI continues to advance while preserving the resources that make its progress possible.




Read more here.

Listen to the podcast here.

 

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:


Hackers Turn to GhostGPT for Cybercrime

/Davey Winder, Forbes


GhostGPT, a new uncensored AI chatbot, is raising alarms among cybersecurity experts for its use by hackers to create malware, phishing scams, and other cybercrimes. Unlike traditional AI tools with ethical guardrails, GhostGPT operates without restrictions and is marketed explicitly to cybercriminals on Telegram. Researchers from Abnormal Security warn that this tool lowers the barrier for cybercrime, enabling even inexperienced attackers to exploit its capabilities for malicious purposes.



Read more here.

 

AI Agent Evolution and the Rise of AI-First Companies

/Sarai Bronfeld, NFX


AI agents are revolutionizing industries, progressing from basic chat-based tools to autonomous, decision-making systems. As startups embrace AI agents, their applications span vertical markets like healthcare diagnostics and fintech, as well as horizontal uses such as workflow automation. The evolution is moving toward fully autonomous "AI-first organizations," with predictions of AI-driven innovation reshaping the economy by 2027. This transformation represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and compete in an AI-dominated world.



Read more here.


 

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:


  • Roundups - Research products and create buying guides with AI.

  • MeetMinutes - AI-powered pre-and-post meeting workflows with smart notes.

  • Opencord - AI agent for customer discovery and personalized conversions.

 

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.


Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

 

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!



Wowza, Inc.

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.





Comentários


Subscribe to Another Crazy Day in AI​

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

Thanks for signing up!

Copyright Wowza, inc 2024
bottom of page