Google boss warns no company immune if AI bubble bursts

Core Insights - The head of Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, warned that the potential bursting of the AI bubble could impact all companies, including Google [1][2] - Concerns regarding the sustainability of AI investments have led to a selloff in global stock markets [2] - Pichai highlighted the immense energy requirements of AI, which accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption last year [3] Group 1: AI Bubble Concerns - Pichai acknowledged "irrationality" in the current AI investment boom, which has contributed to a tech rally [1][2] - He stated that no company, including Google, would be immune to the consequences of the AI bubble bursting [2] Group 2: Energy and Climate Impact - AI's global computing footprint could reach 200 gigawatts by 2030, equivalent to Brazil's annual electric consumption, with half of that in the United States [3] - Pichai noted that the energy needs of Alphabet's AI operations would delay the company's climate goals, although it still aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 [4] Group 3: Societal and Employment Changes - Pichai warned that AI could cause "societal disruptions" and potentially replace roles, including CEOs, necessitating adaptation from the workforce [5] - He emphasized that individuals who learn to utilize AI tools will perform better in their professions, regardless of the field [6] Group 4: Company Performance and Strategy - Alphabet reported its first $100 billion quarterly revenue in October, attributed to its ability to leverage the AI boom [6] - The company has increased spending to meet the demand for AI infrastructure and is rolling out AI features globally in Google Search and its Gemini AI models [7]