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AI’s Economic Benefits Surpass Emissions Concerns According to IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently highlighted the potential economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), projecting a global output boost of approximately 0.5% per year from 2025 to 2030. This growth is expected to surpass the environmental costs associated with higher carbon emissions from AI-driven data centers.

The report, showcased at the IMF’s spring meeting, emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of these economic gains while managing the adverse effects on our climate. The forecast indicates that AI’s contribution to GDP growth will outweigh the financial impacts of emissions, though it points out the necessity for policymakers and businesses to mitigate societal costs.

Energy Demands and Environmental Footprint

AI is set to escalate global electricity demand, potentially reaching 1,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, mirroring the energy consumption of countries like India today.

The increasing demand for data processing capacity could result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, but the AI industry aims to offset these with advancements in renewable energy technologies.

AI: A Driver for Energy Efficiency?

Analysts suggest that AI could potentially reduce carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency, fostering advancements in low-carbon technologies across sectors such as power, food, and transport. Grantham Research Institute stresses the significance of strategic action from governments and industries to facilitate this transition.

The role of AI in the global economy continues to evolve, stirring debates not only about its economic potential but also its environmental impact.

Cyprus Government Moves to Cut Electricity Prices

According to the government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the energy regulator are set to meet this week to discuss a formula to lower the price of electricity.

This development comes from President Nikos Christodoulides’ remarks over the weekend, where he urged the EAC not to increase electricity rates. Christodoulides confirmed that he had a meeting with the EAC, asking them not to impose any increases at this juncture.

The government spokesman emphasized that the current administration is committed to bringing down the price of electricity in any way possible. Letymbiotis noted that the state-run power utility and the regulator would make their own assessments based on the wider direction of the government regarding reductions in the coming time period.

It is worth noting that Cypriots pay the second-highest rates for electricity in Europe when adjusted for spending power, according to Eurostat data released last week. Only consumers in the Czech Republic paid more for their household energy bills than those in Cyprus.

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