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3.1: Extractive AI

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    207225
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    Kate Crawford – researcher, author, and leading AI scholar – refers to Artificial Intelligence as an “extractive” technology. In her book Atlas of AI she compares the AI industry to mining, drawing comparisons between oil and precious metal extraction.

    The use of rare earth minerals and metals in the manufacturing of electronic components is a crucial aspect of the development of AI. These materials are used in the production of components such as batteries, memory chips, and processors. Lithium, for example, is a key component in the production of batteries used in devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. Similarly, cobalt is a vital component of rechargeable batteries used in many portable electronics and electric vehicles, while copper is essential for wiring and other electrical components.

    However, the extraction and refining of these materials are resource-intensive processes that have significant environmental impacts. The mining of rare earth minerals and metals can result in soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution. It can also lead to the displacement of local communities and the destruction of their habitats. The production of electronic components also generates a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

    The demand for these materials is expected to increase dramatically as AI technologies continue to develop and become more widespread. This increase in demand will only exacerbate the environmental impact of their extraction and use. It is therefore essential to find sustainable solutions that reduce the environmental impact of these processes.

    In Atlas, Crawford also discusses the human impact of this “extractive” technology – something which I will discuss more in a later post in this series.


    3.1: Extractive AI is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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