8 comments

  • chmod775 18 hours ago ago

    This simultanously reads like they are surprised that thermodynamics are real while also not understanding them.

    Pretty much all electricity will end up as heat somewhere down the line. How localized that heating is initially does not matter much.

    Also all the energy consumption of data centers in the world (~500TW/h) is not enough to heat the planet a billionth' of a degree annually. It simply does not register.

    Global warming is not driven by the energy we convert into heat, that's miniscule. It's driven by changes in Earth’s atmosphere (and surface) that limit how effectively the planet can reflect incoming sunlight and release heat into space.

    • saulpw 16 hours ago ago

      What is "500TW/h"? If you mean 500TWh, is that 500TWh/year?

      • chmod775 3 hours ago ago

        If you think some more about it you'll figure it out from context.

        I'll give you a hint though: It's a typo and the same sentence contains the word "annually".

        At least now you know I don't use AI for my insufferable comments. Good luck!

        • saulpw 2 hours ago ago

          Sorry, not getting it. Maybe you should start using AI to proofread your insufferable comments!

  • e40 14 hours ago ago

    Let’s not forget Benn Jordan’s work identifying sonic pollution that is making people sick.

    https://youtu.be/_bP80DEAbuo?si=d8ZZCMVa9txyopRs

  • quantified 20 hours ago ago

    A data center that consumes 5GW produces 5GW of heat, yes? Or 4.8 GW of heat and 0.2 GW of noise. Roughly?

    • TGower 18 hours ago ago

      Even the noise turns into heat

      • quantified 6 hours ago ago

        Absolutely, just annoys the neighbors along the way.