Insights from the World Economic Forum: Joris Poort on Computing Sustainability and AI

Joris Poort, CEO and founder of Rescale, highlights the dual challenges of computing's carbon footprint and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in his articles published by the World Economic Forum, coinciding with his participation at the WEF's 14th Annual Meeting of New Champions. Poort discusses sustainable computing practices, emphasizing the increased demand for energy due to AI's expansion and proposing steps such as improving utilization through cloud computing and using sustainable energy sources to mitigate this impact. He underscores the importance of cloud-based high-performance computing (HPC) services, which offer flexibility and energy efficiency compared to traditional on-premises data centers. However, he acknowledges the complexity of transitioning to cloud infrastructure due to the rapid pace of chip innovation and the need for automation in selecting appropriate hardware for specific applications. Additionally, Poort explores AI's potential to revolutionize engineering and product design, noting that AI can enhance and sometimes replace traditional simulations, thereby reducing costs and accelerating innovation. He emphasizes the importance of high-quality data for AI training to ensure societal benefits while navigating risks and calls for best practices in engineering and research to facilitate this transition effectively.