Latest news with #GovernmentTechnology
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers advance historic bill that could reshape how data centers operate nationwide: 'Looking at it in a way that would protect our resources'
With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and large language models like ChatGPT, data centers are popping up across the country to power our increasingly digital lives. But these centers require enormous resources to operate, especially electricity and water. A new Minnesota bill could become the national standard for holding tech giants accountable. The proposed legislation would set a new precedent for how data centers powering our digital world can operate sustainably. Facilities would need to report their energy use and water withdrawals publicly, pay conservation fees, and source at least 65% of their energy from carbon-free sources, according to Government Technology. That's a big shift. Data centers use billions of gallons of water for cooling and consume vast amounts of electricity. NPR has reported that the average data center uses 300,000 gallons of water a day, with larger centers around 1 million. With 11 large-scale centers proposed across Minnesota — and only one currently under construction — concerns are rising about whether the state's grid and water supply can support them sustainably. Critically, those centers cumulatively could demand more electricity than all Minnesota households combined, according to Government Technology. That has sparked debate over how the state will balance development with its 2040 goal of achieving carbon-free energy. Rep. Patty Acomb, the top Democrat on the House Energy Committee and sponsor of the bill, said the objective is to ensure responsible growth. "I just wanted to make sure we were looking at it in a way that would protect our resources, protect utility ratepayers, and allow it to be a thriving industry," she told the Star Tribune. Environmental groups have applauded the effort, while the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Data Center Coalition oppose the bill. If passed, this legislation could mark a turning point in how high-tech industries manage natural resources, benefiting local communities and helping protect Minnesota's environment for generations to come. To combat excess water and energy usage associated with data centers elsewhere, some companies and researchers are looking for alternatives. Do you think governments should ban the production of gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Yes — but not yet I don't know Heck no Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Microsoft is working on a way to eliminate the need for water during chip-level cooling. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Missouri have devised a new cooling system to control temperatures and make data centers more energy-efficient. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill Gates says teachers, doctors could be replaced by AI in 10 years — how will US workers fare?
Bill Gates isn't sugarcoating it: Artificial intelligence is coming for jobs. And not just blue-collar ones. In a recent episode of the People by WTF podcast, the Microsoft co-founder laid out a vision of the future in which AI tools take over some of the most essential professions in America, including teaching and medicine. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But instead of sounding the alarm, Gates insisted it's a good thing — even as millions of workers brace for change. "We've always had a shortage of doctors, teachers, of people to work in the factories. Those shortages won't exist," Gates told host Nikhil Kamath. 'AI will come in and provide medical IQ, and there won't be a shortage." Gates also spoke to The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon about the transition. 'Will we still need humans?' Fallon asked. 'Not for most things,' Gates replied. So what are the implications for working Americans? Gates zeroed in on two industries already under pressure: teaching and health care — markets that have historically suffered labor gaps, especially in rural areas of the U.S. AI, Gates believes, can fill in the gaps or at least relieve some of the burden. In schools, AI-powered tutoring tools are already being tested, offering personalized help for students in reading and math, according to Government Technology. In health care, companies like Suki, Zephyr AI and Tennr can now generate clinical decision support, helping doctors diagnose faster and more accurately, says Business Insider. 'Years from now, AI will have changed things enough that just this pure capitalistic framework probably won't explain much, because as AIs, both as sort of white-collar type work and as blue-collar workers, the robots will get good hands and are able to do the physical things that humans do,' Gates told Kamath. 'We will have created, you know, free intelligence.' Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80% — claims 'Armageddon' is coming. Don't believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Here's 3 ways to protect yourself It's not just teachers and doctors. Numerous industries are facing an AI invasion. Besides some of the other industries that Gates mentions, like construction, cleaning companies and factory workers, the impact has already trickled down to customer service and IT support. For instance, AI chatbots — with wildly inconsistent success — have already assumed much of the 'first response' nature of product support on the web. For some, AI may simply become a co-pilot, a helper that boosts productivity. But for others, it could mean full-on job replacement. Gates doesn't deny that. What he argues is that the tradeoff might be worth it. In Gates' ideal scenario, AI takes over routine tasks and frees people up to pursue more leisure. He envisions a world where the standard 40-hour workweek shrinks and people enjoy better work-life balance. But critics aren't buying the utopia just yet. A recent United Nations report warned that AI could affect 40% of jobs worldwide, raising concerns about automation and job displacement. 'The benefits of AI-driven automation often favour capital over labour, which could widen inequality and reduce the competitive advantage of low-cost labour in developing economies,' the report said. So while the industry is expected to reach $4.8 trillion, the UN says the payoff will be 'highly concentrated.' According to UN Women, there's also the issue of bias and reliability. AI tools have been shown to replicate racial and gender disparities, particularly in hiring and health care decisions — trends that could compound, not solve, existing problems. Gates isn't alone in predicting AI's rise. But believe it or not, he's one of the few tech leaders still mostly optimistic about it. If his vision holds, workers may need to pivot fast. That could mean refining skills that complement AI, rather than compete with it. Things like critical thinking, emotional intelligence and creativity are talents that machine thinking may be more likely to struggle with … for now. It's also a wake-up call for policymakers to think ahead. The transition could be bumpy, but with the right guardrails, it might just lead to a smarter economy. At least, that's what Gates is betting on. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
