The AI search race between Google and Microsoft will impact the environment due to an increase in global greenhouse gas emissions

Microsoft Bing recently partnered with OpenAI to offer a ChatGPT-like artificial intelligence-powered bot. The chatbot opened a new door for more innovative ideas, as browsing giant Google started planning to link AI with its search engine.

As an outcome, results with complicated information will be available in a more easily understandable version. Microsoft had already planned to introduce ChatGPT on Bing, whereas Google is working on its own experimental conversational artificial intelligence service. Initially, the company named the service Bard.

However, with technology advancing day by day, the environment is potentially at a higher risk of receiving its impact. It has been reported that the resources required to instruct a single AI system can result in the emission of 1,000 pounds of carbon. Up until now, internet consumption has accounted for almost 4 percent of the total greenhouse effect.

To link artificial intelligence with the platforms, demand for the tech devices required for the merger will go up five times; as a result, global gas levels will also increase. According to Alan Woodward, a professor at U.K based university, merging the two platforms will need more resources to process and store the data. With more information, more storage facilities will also be required. Google’s representative, Jane Park, revealed that currently, the company is only working on an experimental level, which won’t require high computing or storage power.

Environmental concerns are not the only thing getting highlighted. When Bard was announced, Google’s working staff criticized it for being carried out badly. Similarly Bing was also spotted sharing factually incorrect information. According to critics, artificial intelligence-powered search results could spread incorrect information or sound illogical, making it difficult for users to identify such knowledge. Since the web source will be omitted from the results, users will have to rely on the information they receive. Even if it is wrong, AI-based answers will make it look authentic.

When Microsoft and Open AI were asked to share their comments on the possible situation, the 2 companies did not answer any of the questions.

Read next: CEO of OpenAI declares ChatGPT a (cool yet) horrible product
by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World