AI deployment strategies: balancing efficiency and environmental impact
Blog post from Upsun
The blog post discusses the environmental impact of deploying large language models (LLMs) and the need to balance performance with sustainability. Despite LLM applications contributing less than 0.0274% of global CO₂ emissions, their usage is increasing emissions at an unsustainable rate, potentially reaching half a gigaton in five years. The post highlights the trade-offs in AI deployment, emphasizing the cost and environmental implications of relying on high-powered GPUs compared to more efficient CPU-based processes. It argues for using existing tools like vector databases to optimize resource usage and reduce carbon footprints, suggesting that embracing simpler, more stable systems over cutting-edge technologies could lead to more sustainable practices in AI development. The author, Ori Pekelman, encourages a shift in focus from glamorous technology to practical, eco-friendly solutions, urging the tech industry to take responsibility for its environmental impact.