Southeast Asia’s AI Advancement Demands Greater Openness and Accountability
Southeast Asians are divided on AI's environmental impact. Survey data shows 47.9% view AI positively, 30.2% negatively, and 21.9% uncertain. Data centres consume growing electricity; governments should mandate transparency and green energy policies to address environmental concerns.
Southeast Asia is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, yet the environmental impact of powering AI systems remains poorly understood. A recent survey reveals mixed views on AI's environmental effects in the region, with 47.9% of respondents seeing benefits, 30.2% viewing it negatively, and 21.9% uncertain. Data centers consuming growing amounts of electricity and water are a significant concern.
To build public trust and ensure sustainable AI infrastructure development, governments should mandate transparency and green energy policies akin to EU standards.
The situation is dire. Electricity consumption by data centers is projected to double from 415 terawatt-hours in 2024 to 945 terawatt-hours by 2030. Individual AI query impacts remain largely undisclosed, with only Google publishing peer-reviewed estimates. ASEAN governments need to implement mandatory transparency policies, demanding annual reporting of energy and water usage from data centers, similar to EU regulations.
This approach will provide a common framework for responsible AI growth, ensuring economic potential is pursued without undermining sustainability or public trust.
Written by urgent.news from Thailand Business News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
