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Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: AI becoming an own goal for humanity
Between the US eating itself alive like a snake feasting on its own tail, Russia continuing to assault Ukraine, and the devastation in Gaza, climate change almost seems like a hoary old chestnut. A relic of another time, perhaps. And yet that doesn't stop us feeling it. We've just been through the driest spring for European farmers in a century; last week brought an 'unprecedented' heatwave to the waters around Ireland, Devon, and Cornwall; and Europe's supplies of cocoa, wheat, and maize are now threatened by biodiversity collapse in exporting countries. Meanwhile, in a spectacular own goal for humanity, the scale of AI data centre water and energy usage was made clear in different reports. One analysis argued that AI could be responsible for half the electricity use by data centres by the end of this year — and as much as the whole country of Japan by the end of the decade. All for what — copyright theft of literature, news publications, and art? While AI technology as a whole has plenty of productivity and other potential benefits — for instance, in science, health, or technology — the environmental impact is stark. It's been estimated that asking ChatGPT to write a 100-word email uses 500ml of water for cooling. That's fresh water that then evaporates and rejoins the water cycle, though that doesn't mean that its source river or lake is being replenished. That's not even factoring in the electricity. Why we are not using AI to, frankly, develop climate sustainable AI tech seems another own goal, even if the Chinese AI models do seem to be more energy efficient. Yet that doesn't save the planet, or the areas near AI data centres where locals frequently have no water in their taps because of them. And that's not even factoring in the amount of carbon dioxide used from powering the plants, carbon which then goes on heating the atmosphere. The US, where much of the AI infrastructure is based, is rolling back environmental regulations as it is, so it's unlikely these data centres will be powered exclusively by renewables. All of this has a steadily more catastrophic impact on the world around us. One might argue to pull carbon from the atmosphere, we should plant more trees. Trees are wonderful things, providing life to many non-human creatures, but even then they have to be planted in the right way. George R Stewart's seminal 1949 apocalyptic novel, Earth Abides (from the biblical verse 'men go and come, but Earth abides'), argued that humans have no particular right to survival, and indeed that if their numbers become too small civilisation itself will cease to exist. As environmentalists say, there is no Planet B. Only time will tell if we can curb our excesses enough to mitigate some climate catastrophes. But time, alas, is not on our side. Tesla has lost its sparkle It's a psychological milestone, but seeing Tesla overtaken by its Chinese rival BYD in terms of European sales seems momentous. Tesla CEO Elon Musk's dabbling in government cutbacks (yet the US government spent more in the first quarter than it did in the same period last year), far-right politics, and peddling conspiracy theories has taken a toll on the company's standing, and with it, sales generally. That doesn't mean people don't want Teslas overall, because it still sells thousands, only that they're more discerning about whether it's a brand that they want to be associated with. And its general lack of innovation in its fleet over recent years — amid forays into automonous driving, robotaxis, walking robots — has seen competitors eat at its market share. BYD — that's Build Your Dream — had targeted Europe for EV sales, but in the face of European tariffs is now selling plug-in hybrids as well. And clearly, the market is listening. Volkswagen is still the top of the EVs in Europe, amid plenty of competition even if some manufacturers have cooled their enthusiasm for the segment. Still, as prices and technology improve across the industry, one may be excused for wondering if Tesla is steadily becoming dull and obsolete — everything it seemed it would never be when it launched. Healing bonds In a week of carnage in the Middle East, fine weather at home, and climate change threatening European supplies of chocolate, you would be forgiven for not spotting another milestone: Germany's first permanent military posting abroad since, well, you know when. A combat unit that will eventually have 4,800 soldiers has begun deploying to Lithuania as part of a wider response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. It's designed to bolster the defence of the Baltic states; Lithuania is bordered by Russia's Kaliningrad to the west (home of the Russian Baltic fleet) and Moscow's unfailing ally Belarus to the east. There was a time, not so long ago, when the very idea of the German military being anywhere in numbers other than Germany might still make a great many people nervous, purely for historical reasons. But it says much that, when the German military came to the aid of Poland during dire flooding last September, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk managed to make light of it: 'If you see German soldiers, please do not panic. They are here to help.' If there were ever an indication that the European Union could bridge old divides, that was probably it. The deployment in Lithuania is a sign of the times for Nato countries — Finland is also watching over the border as Russia builds and expands bases — but it's also a sign of newfound European strength and confidence in a world when the US has increasingly become an unreliable partner. Read More Irish Examiner view: Everyone can be an enemy in a warzone
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Environmental activism
A few years ago, I stood among thousands of people at a climate march, holding a placard that read: There is no Planet B. The energy was electrifying, the voices determined, and for the first time, I truly felt the weight of environmental activism. It is more than just protests or petitions - it is a call to protect our shared home. Environmental activism is no longer an abstract movement led by scientists or policymakers; it has become deeply personal for millions worldwide. One of the most striking demonstrations took place on September 27, 2019, when approximately 100,000 people gathered at Vancouver City Hall, joining millions across the globe, to demand immediate action on climate change. It was Vancouver's largest protest in 35 years, proving that climate concerns are no longer confined to policy rooms - they are on the streets, in homes, and on the minds of ordinary people like us. What is it that motivates someone to take a stand? Personal connection to nature plays a significant role. Growing up, I spent summers near the Indus River, marveling at its vastness. But in recent years, seeing its declining water levels and increasing pollution made me realise how fragile our environment truly is. Studies confirm that those who feel connected to nature adopt sustainable behaviours - whether it's reducing waste, conserving energy, or advocating for policy changes. But environmental activism extends beyond personal habits; it is about seeing oneself as part of a larger movement. Movements led by organisations like Greenpeace and have shown how activism can influence policies. We have seen governments tighten regulations on carbon emissions, phase out fossil fuels, and invest in renewable energy - all because public pressure left them no choice. However, there are still many hurdles. Governments and corporations often resist meaningful change, prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability. When I observe countries like Sweden, Germany and New Zealand, I see how strong green political parties are reshaping national environmental policies, setting a global benchmark for sustainability. Sweden's Green Party has been pivotal in pushing carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals, striving for a fossil fuel-free future by 2045 through investments in hydroelectric and wind energy. In Germany, Alliance 90/The Greens has led the Energiewende (energy transition), promoting solar and wind power, which has resulted in strict climate regulations, carbon pricing, and green technology advancements. Similarly, New Zealand's Green Party champions biodiversity protection, eco-friendly urban planning, and plastic waste reduction. Australia, Canada and the UK are also witnessing growing green political movements. All that goes to underscore that environmental activism is not just about advocacy; it is, in fact, a political force, shaping policy, climate action, and economic transformation worldwide. Closer to home, Pakistan's environmental movement is gaining momentum, but it still has a long way to go. With the country battling deforestation, pollution and climate-induced disasters, environmental activism is no longer an option - it is a necessity. Political parties have launched initiatives like Sindh's Mangrove Restoration Project and Punjab's Green Development Program, but their impact remains limited due to policy inconsistencies and poor execution. Government's commitment to sustainability is often overshadowed by infrastructure projects that harm the very environment they claim to protect. Pakistan must move beyond symbolic environmental efforts and embed climate resilience into its core policies. Cross-party collaboration, strict governance, and public accountability are essential for protecting natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. If people from diverse age groups, ethnicities, religions and political backgrounds can unite for climate marches worldwide, Pakistanis can also come together to demand stronger environmental policies.
