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A growing debate is emerging regarding the energy consumption of artificial intelligence and whether its environmental impact is justified by its potential benefits. One Reddit user, SoaokingGross, recently sparked discussion, questioning the massive energy demands and infrastructure required for AI development, particularly in light of suggestions that AI progress might be slowing down and following an S-curve trajectory rather than an exponential one. The core of the debate centers on whether AI’s promise to solve critical issues, including climate change, outweighs its significant energy footprint, especially if AI’s development is leveling off. Interested readers can find the original discussion thread on Reddit: https://old.reddit.com/r/artificial/comments/1mku7dk/to_those_that_are_saying_ai_is_proving_to_be_an_s/