Tech Boom Drives Energy Use Concerns While EVs and Innovations Aim for Greener Future
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Energy use for data centers and cryptocurrency mining could account for up to 10% of U.S. energy consumption by 2030. AI systems like ChatGPT also require vast amounts of electricity.
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U.S. electric vehicle sales hit a record 8% in 2022, led by strong demand in California where EVs were over 21% of new car sales. But EV sales cooled in Q4, raising questions about future growth.
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A UCLA startup called Concrete.ai uses AI to optimize concrete mixtures, cutting emissions from cement production by 30% and costs by over $5 per cubic yard.
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Tire wear particles may pose environmental and health hazards, with emission levels potentially exceeding safety limits in some areas.
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Rising sea levels could lead to increased methane emissions from coastal wetlands.