Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-04 13:31Core Insights - The article discusses the environmental costs associated with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting Microsoft's significant investment in carbon removal initiatives as a response to its increasing carbon footprint [3][4][6]. Group 1: Microsoft's Investment in Carbon Removal - Microsoft has signed a deal with Vaulted Deep to achieve a carbon removal target of 4.9 million tons by 2038, with the total value of the contract reportedly exceeding $1 billion, potentially costing Microsoft up to $1.7 billion [4][6]. - The method employed by Vaulted Deep involves converting organic waste into a "bio-sludge" and injecting it deep underground to permanently remove carbon and prevent pollution [5][6]. Group 2: AI's Environmental Impact - The carbon emissions from AI operations are substantial, with a report indicating that the training and operation of Mistral AI's flagship model generated CO2 emissions equivalent to that of 5,000 cars over 18 months [3][8]. - Major tech companies, including Microsoft, have seen significant increases in their carbon emissions, with Microsoft's emissions rising by 23.4% since 2020 due to the expansion of its cloud and AI businesses [6][8]. Group 3: Criticism of Carbon Offset Strategies - Experts criticize Microsoft's approach of purchasing carbon credits as a means to offset emissions, arguing that it does not address the root cause of emissions and can mislead the public regarding actual reductions [6][12]. - The current carbon accounting mechanisms are seen as flawed, allowing companies to claim zero emissions through market-based accounting without making substantial changes to their energy consumption practices [7][12]. Group 4: Future Projections and Industry Actions - By 2027, AI is projected to consume up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water annually, and data center energy consumption could double by 2030, surpassing the total energy consumption of countries like Japan [12][13]. - Major tech companies are taking steps towards sustainability, with commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 or 2040, but there is a call for more transparency and government regulation to ensure accountability [13][14].