‘Take a breath’: Google tells Aussies to relax about AI
Australian workers should “take a breath” and reassure themselves about the impact AI will have on their careers, because the jobs AI replaces will eventually be replaced by others.
Google Australia managing director Melanie Silva released the advice at the QUT Business Leaders Forum in Brisbane on Friday, where she compared AI technology to the advent of electricity and the internet.
The tech executive called for more myth-busting conversations about the environmental and social impacts of creating data centers that would fuel the AI boom, saying they could help fuel renewable energy projects.
His comments came after the federal government took office Senate investigation It comes just days after the spread and regulation of data centers and Sydney Water warned the developments could consume more water than breweries within a decade.
Ms Silva told the sold-out event that artificial intelligence will be vital to the future of the global economy and will have a turbulent but ultimately positive impact on employment.
“I just think we need to breathe,” he said.
“There will be disruption, there will be disruption, but let’s have a balanced conversation about how we deal with that disruption, how we don’t squander the opportunity that this will create for us and the country, because it’s huge and it won’t wait.”
Ms. Silva pointed out World Economic Forum’s research It revealed that 92 million jobs will be displaced over the next decade, but 170 million new positions will be created.
He said the revolution driven by artificial intelligence will be similar to the changes brought about by the advent of electricity or the advent of the internet; some roles will disappear, but the business world will adapt.
More data centers will be needed to support the spread of AI, but Ms Silva said these could be accompanied by renewable energy projects to ensure they are sustainable and do not increase electricity prices.
“I think there is potentially some myth-busting around what these data centers can do, and again I would encourage a more balanced discussion about these issues,” he said.
“Australia in particular could use these as catalysts to really promote renewable energy.”
Google backed by federal government Five expectations for data centersThat includes investing in clean energy and transparent reporting on water use, Ms. Silva said.
Tech firms operate 162 data centers across Australia a recent Climate Council report90 more are planned.
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