The rising energy cost of AI & how tech impacts sustainability

The rising energy cost of AI & how tech impacts sustainability The growing demand for AI comes with a staggering energy price tag. Research by Alex de Vries reveals that AI could consume nearly half of global data centre power by the end of 2025, surpassing even cryptocurrency mining. As models like DeepSeek AI advance, so does their electricity consumption, raising urgent questions about sustainability. How can tech companies balance innovation with environmental responsibility? And could policy changes or more efficient hardware help reduce AI’s carbon footprint? Digiconomist Alex De Vries is on the show. Fighting food waste with tech: The app rescuing surplus meals Startups like Food to Save are tackling another global crisis: food waste. By connecting restaurants, bakeries and takeaways with unsold meals to people who need them, the app turns nearly expired - but perfectly safe - food into affordable "Surprise Bags." Could this model work worldwide? From Kenya’s food waste challenges to AI predicting food insecurity using satellite data, innovative solutions are emerging. Hear from Food to Save’s co-founder Lucas Infante on how tech can help reduce waste—one meal at a time. The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.   More on this week's stories: AI power demand rapidly escalating Food to Save Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz For the PodExtra version of the show please subscribe via this link: https://somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast-the-podextra-edition.pod.fan/ Follow us on the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram BlueSky YouTube   If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify   Contact us by email: [e-mail]  Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: [phone]   Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices