Elon Musk has recently issued a warning about a potential global crisis that may not be caused by a lack of water, but rather by a shortage of another vital form of energy for humanity. The world is already facing significant challenges due to climate change, and water scarcity is a growing concern. It is estimated that around 4 billion people experience water shortages for at least one month a year, affecting regions such as Texas, California, Catalonia, and Andalusia.
Climate change and increasing energy demand, particularly for artificial intelligence, are contributing to this issue. The amount of energy needed to power AI systems is growing, and this could lead to a scarcity of electricity if the demand continues to rise. Elon Musk has become a prominent voice in warning about the risks of AI, stating that the computing capacity of these systems doubles every two years, resulting in a greater need for resources.
The rise of electric cars is also putting pressure on the electricity supply, as they require large amounts of energy to charge. Musk warns that the growth of these two industries could lead to chaos if the world’s electrical infrastructure is not prepared to meet the increased demand. According to Musk, the situation could become unsustainable as early as this year, with voltage transformers potentially becoming a major bottleneck.
The impact of the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis in Europe has already demonstrated the fragility of the electricity supply. As AI continues to progress, Musk argues that the scarcity of electricity will be inevitable and will affect not only technology but also people’s daily lives. He warns that if we do not prepare to manage the energy demand of the future, we will face an electricity crisis as serious as the current water shortage.
The growth of artificial intelligence and electrification of transport is driving up the need for energy at an unprecedented rate, and current resources may not be sufficient to meet this demand. It is essential to rethink how we generate, distribute, and consume energy to ensure a future where both water and electricity are available for all, regardless of financial resources. Elon Musk’s warning emphasizes the need for urgent action to address this issue and prevent a potential crisis.