United News of Bangladesh

Mobile internet has been shut down again on Sunday, on the instructions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The BTRC has announced that the 4G network will remain off until further notice. During this period, only 2G services will be available for making calls. When contacted for further details, BTRC Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed declined to comment, saying that he was in a meeting. In a statement, Grameenphone said, “The authorities have shut down the mobile internet. We are in continuous communications with the relevant authorities regarding this issue.”

Earthquake alerts on smartphones offer crucial warnings mere seconds before the shaking begins, providing vital time to seek immediate safety. Utilizing advanced technology to detect seismic activity, these alerts help minimize injuries and save lives. Enabling this feature ensures preparedness and swift response during an earthquake, making it an indispensable tool for personal safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on activating the earthquake warning system on smartphones. How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android Phones Prerequisites Before proceeding, it is necessary to ensure that both mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled to access the internet. Additionally, the phone's location services must be activated to receive accurate alerts based on the right direction. Enabling of the Alarm Locate and tap the settings icon on the home screen. Scroll down to select the 'Safety and Emergency' option. Once inside, find the 'Earthquake Alerts' option, where the switch can be toggled to activate the alert on the device. Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Generally, these steps are almost the same for most phones that support the Google Play Store or Android model. Additional Features On the same screen, there is a small feature titled 'Demo' that simulates the smartphone's alert during an earthquake. It includes sounding an alarm, displaying earthquake magnitude and distance, and providing immediate action recommendations. Furthermore, following the 'Demo' option, there is another feature called 'Learn Earthquake Safety Tips'. It redirects to Google search and automatically displays safety information without requiring a search query to be typed. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Alternative Access for Some Devices Some Android phones may not have the 'Safety and Emergency' option in 'Settings'. In that case, the feature can be found in 'Location'. That is, after turning on the phone's location, it doesn’t need to go back to the settings. On the 'Location' screen, scroll further down to find the direct 'Earthquake Alert' option. Device Compatibility These steps are generally applicable to Android devices using Android 5 (Lollipop) and above. Versions below Android 12 may have slight variations in enabling the alarm. Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe How to Turn on Earthquake Alarm on iPhones Apple device users should navigate to the phone's 'Settings', then select 'Notifications'. From there, scroll down on the new screen to locate 'Emergency Alerts'. Activating this option toggles the earthquake alarm. How the Alert System Works Google's Earthquake Alarm system operates by leveraging the accelerometer sensors present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity. These sensors can detect both surface vibrations and movements within structures, providing real-time earthquake data. Data Collection and Processing When Earthquake Alarm is enabled on an Android device, the accelerometer continuously monitors for seismic tremors. Upon detecting vibrations indicative of an earthquake, the smartphone immediately sends this data to Google's central server. Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World The server aggregates data from multiple smartphones in the affected area. By analyzing the timing and intensity of tremors reported by these devices, the system determines the occurrence, magnitude, and epicenter of the earthquake. Alert Distribution Upon processing the seismic data, Google's server promptly sends alerts to Android devices located within the affected region. These alerts are crucial for providing timely warnings to users, allowing them to respond swiftly to potential seismic hazards. There are two types of warning signals sent on earthquake levels: Be Aware Signals This signal is triggered for earthquakes with a magnitude up to 4.5 on the Richter scale. It notifies users through subtle vibrations, adjusted volume levels, and 'Do Not Disturb' settings on their phones. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Take Action Signals When the earthquake magnitude exceeds 4.5, this warning is activated. The alert occupies the entire screen of the smartphone, overriding 'Do Not Disturb' settings to ensure immediate attention. The notification sound is prominently activated to alert users to take necessary precautions. Summing Up Activating earthquake alarms on smartphones, compatible with Android and iPhones, requires an active internet connection and enabled location services. Using accelerometer data ensures timely warnings, empowering users to respond effectively during seismic events. These alerts underscore the importance of technology in enhancing safety and disaster preparedness worldwide. Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted?

Prime Minister's Advisor on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman on Sunday said the BASIS America Desk will help establish “strategic and friendly” relationships between Bangladeshi and US tech companies. “It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity,” he said. Salman said BASIS must take on the role of mentoring and nurturing its member companies to ensure they conduct their businesses effectively. "We need to compete with other countries in the global market. The government is providing incentives to increase exports in this regard. Service exports are highly competitive, so maintaining quality is essential to staying ahead," he added. Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) launched the "BASIS America" desk to facilitate and strengthen ICT business collaborations between Bangladeshi ICT and software companies and their counterparts of the United States of America. The launching ceremony was held on Sunday at a hotel in the capital. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D Haas was present as guest of honor at the ceremony. Additionally, the event was attended by officials from various embassies in Bangladesh, former presidents of BASIS, members of the executive committee, members, and senior officials from various government and private organizations. The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27% of total export earnings. The BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform that showcases the latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, facilitate information exchange through seminars and B2B meetings, and organize training programs and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the skills and knowledge exchange for BASIS members. Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President (Admin) of BASIS, said, "The primary objective of the BASIS America Desk is to create new opportunities in the US market for Bangladesh's IT sector and to expand skill development programs through technology and knowledge exchange." Additionally, he said, they aim to establish Bangladesh as a global ICT hub by building a smart economy. Ambassador Haas expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its mutual benefits for both countries. He said BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States. "Transitioning from a closed market to an open market is more beneficial. Bangladesh can leverage AI to enhance the efficiency of its garment and software exports. However, this requires investment in human resource development and increased investment. Moreover, providing better services at a lower cost than neighbouring countries is essential. Utilizing AI solutions can help businesses expand," said the envoy. He hoped the BASIS America Desk will further enrich the export market to the USA. "I am confident that this initiative will play a vital role in strengthening bilateral trade, business expansion, and cooperation between the IT and software companies of both countries." BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS. He said there is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen our country's economy. "I firmly believe that the IT sector will play a crucial role in achieving this goal in the future. Through the BASIS America Desk, we aim to generate $5 billion in export revenue from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years by increasing the export of Bangladesh's IT services to the United States. To reach this goal, the BASIS America Desk will create opportunities for Bangladeshi companies to enter the US market. The BASIS America Desk is not just a platform; we are very optimistic that it will open doors of immense potential for BASIS members and Bangladeshi IT companies. Special emphasis now needs to be placed on human resource development. I firmly believe that this initiative by the BASIS America Desk will help establish Bangladesh as a strong IT hub," he said. In a video message as a special guest, State Minister for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, "The launch of the BASIS America Desk is a significant milestone in strengthening Bangladesh's IT sector and positioning Bangladesh as a hub of information technology in the global market. By leveraging this platform, IT companies in both Bangladesh and the United States will be able to establish a strong mutual business relationship within the IT sector." At the programme, M Asif Rahman, Director of BASIS, delivered a keynote presentation. M Rashidul Hasan, Senior Vice President of BASIS also spoke. BASIS believes that through this initiative of forming the BASIS America Desk, both Bangladeshi and US IT and software companies will be able to create a business-friendly environment.  

The European Union says blue checkmarks from Elon Musk's X are deceptive and that the online platform falls short on transparency and accountability requirements in the first charges against a tech company since the bloc's new social media regulations took effect. The European Commission outlined on Friday the preliminary findings from its investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Services Act. Google falling short of important climate target, cites electricity needs of AI The rulebook, also known as the DSA, is a sweeping set of regulations that requires platforms to take more responsibility for protecting users and cleaning up their sites. Regulators took aim at X's blue checks, saying they constitute "dark patterns” that are not in line with industry best practice and can be used by malicious actors to deceive users. Future of Elon Musk and Tesla are on the line as shareholders vote on massive pay package After Musk bought the site in 2022, it started issuing the verification marks to anyone who paid $8 per month for one. Before Musk's acquisition, they mirrored verification badges common on social media and were largely reserved for celebrities, politicians and other influential accounts.

In today's fast-paced world, editing videos and reels on your smartphone is more convenient than ever. You can post videos right away while staying outdoors or attending an event. As numerous apps are available on App Store, and Google Play Store, choosing the right free or paid mobile-friendly video editing tool can be challenging. Let’s explore the top video editing apps for 2024 that cater to both Android and iOS users. 10 Best Mobile Video Editing Apps in 2024 LumaFusion LumaFusion is a popular video editing app with a 4.8/5 rating. It is a paid app, costing $29.99 as a one-time purchase. With a download size of 183 MB, this app was developed by LumaTouch LLC.  LumaFusion offers a range of professional-grade features, including keyframing, multi-track timeline editing, and advanced audio editing tools. Users can apply various filters, effects, and transitions to their videos. The app is popular among amateur and professional video editors for its comprehensive set of tools and intuitive interface, making it a powerful choice for mobile video editing on Android and iOS platforms. Read more: How to Block Ads on Android Phones in 2024 CapCut CapCut, developed by Bytedance, boasts a 4.6/5 rating. This free app offers in-app purchases and has a download size of 75 MB. CapCut is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it ideal for quick video edits and social media content creation.  Its key features include color correction, background removal, and TikTok integration, which allows seamless sharing to the popular social media platform. Additionally, CapCut offers speech-to-text auto-captioning and precise speed control, making it a versatile tool for novice and experienced video editors looking for a comprehensive yet accessible mobile editing solution. Adobe Premiere Rush Adobe Premiere Rush, rated 4.5/5, is a free app with additional features available via a $9.99 monthly subscription. With a download size of 253 MB, this app is developed by Adobe Inc. It offers a streamlined version of the desktop Adobe Premiere Pro.  Read more: Best and Worst Android OS Considering Bloatware in 2024 Premiere Rush includes motion graphics templates, color correction tools, and a stock media library. It supports cross-platform editing, allowing users to start a project on their mobile device and finish on a desktop. The app is designed for social media content creators, offering easy sharing options to platforms like YouTube and Instagram, making it a versatile tool for quick and professional video edits. Videoleap Videoleap, developed by Lightricks Ltd., has a rating of 4.4/5. It offers a free trial, with subscriptions costing monthly $5.99 or a one-time purchase of $59.99. The download size is 170 MB.  Videoleap stands out for its advanced AI tools, including recoloring, voice modification, and uncropping. The app provides a powerful timeline editing feature, touch gestures for precision, and a wide range of filters and effects. Videoleap caters to professional editors and casual users, offering intuitive tools that simplify complex editing processes. It's an excellent choice for developing standard-quality videos on smartphones. Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps CyberLink PowerDirector CyberLink PowerDirector is a free app with a subscription available for $4.99 per month to unlock additional features. The app's download size is 130 MB, and it was developed by CyberLink Corp company. Its current rating is 4.3 out of 5.  It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, including multi-track editing, chroma key, and masking. Users can also access a vast library of stock media through connections to Pexels and Pixabay. The app supports developing high-quality videos and provides a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users looking to create polished videos on their mobile devices.

Bangladesh has scored 62 out of 100 in the 2024 edition of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI). This score places Bangladesh below the average for both lower-middle-income countries, which is 64.8, and the Asia & Pacific region, which averages 77.3. In South Asia, Bangladesh’s performance is mixed compared to its neighbors. Pakistan scored 55.6, Sri Lanka 71.3, Bhutan 85.9, Maldives 81.5, and Afghanistan 33.1. Notably, India and Nepal were marked as having “insufficient data” in this year’s index. Read more: Malaysia keen on increasing investment in Bangladesh’s Telecom, ICT: Palak One of the key metrics where Bangladesh lags is universal connectivity, scoring 39.4. Internet usage among individuals stands at 38.9%, and 38.1% of households have internet access, according to ICT Development Index. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh excelled in mobile network coverage, achieving 98.5% population coverage for 3G and 4G networks. The 2024 ICT Development Index revealed an overall average score of 74.8 for the 170 economies surveyed, showing a 3.3% improvement from the previous year. Over half of the studied economies scored above 80 points, yet significant disparities remain: the lowest IDI score is 21.3, and 29 economies scored below 50 points. “Measurement is critical for achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. The journey toward a fully and meaningfully connected world is far from over, but with the right data, tools, and commitment, we can make significant strides in ensuring everyone benefits from digital connectivity, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “However, we have to recognize that each country has its own characteristics, faces its own challenges, and must follow its own development path.” Read more: Mobile phone calls drops: Govt to enforce stricter compensation, says Palak The ITU, a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), continues to drive innovation in ICTs alongside its 193 Member States and over 900 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. 

In recent years, the advancement of AI technology has somewhat revolutionized how people work with the internet. In this wave, text-to-speech softwares are assisting professionals from diverse backgrounds. Developing an AI produced speech out of written text, these apps and software are saving time and effort. Here’s a list of some efficient text-to-speech software. Let’s explore their features, pros, cons, and prices.  7 Popular Text-to-Speech Software and Apps in 2024  Listening If you’re looking to convert natural-sounding, high-quality academic texts to speech, then Listening might be the perfect solution for you. The platform specializes in natural-sounding speeches that mimic human emotions.  Currently Listening can convert to speech from direct docs, journal articles, and even PDFs. There’s a large pool of AI voices to choose from as well as extensive language support. The pricing plan for Listening is $19.99/month or $125/year with three days of trial period.  Read more: Top Job Searching apps in Bangladesh Pros:  - Easy-to-navigate interface - Realistic voice - Extensive selection of languages - Customizable voices Cons:  - The free version offers limited features  Software link: https://www.listening.com/ Read more: Top 5 Mobile Apps for Farmers in Bangladesh Balabolka Balabolka is one of the best free text-to-speech software out there. It can be used in several ways. Firstly, users can directly input the text into the platform. Concurrently, any Word doc, PDF, or HTML file can also be uploaded to the platform.  On the output end, the platform supports SAPI 4 with eight different voices, SAPI 5 with two voices as well as Microsoft’s native speech platform. The outputs can be time-stamped for ease of navigation.  Pros:  - It's completely free - Wide range of voice options - Wide range of text options.  Read more: Top 7 Truck Rental Apps in Bangladesh Cons:  - Dated interface  Software Link: https://balabolka.en.softonic.com/ Natural Reader Natural Reader is another freemium text-to-speech software geared for those looking for a host of customization and editing options. The software has two versions, a desktop one and a cloud-based one.  The desktop version offers a host of customizability with a standard working mechanism. You upload a text file and convert it into a speech file. But things get interesting with their cloud platform.  Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka Here users can make use of the floating bar. You can highlight any text on any platform and use the floating bar to customize the speech output. It's pretty neat in terms of easing the workload.  Pros: - OCR compatible - Interface choices - Can be added as a browser extension. Cons:   - Cloud-based - The free plan has limited voice options.  Software Link: https://www.naturalreaders.com/online/ Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps Cloud Google Text-to-Speech As one of the leading companies working with speech recognition AI, it's no surprise that Google has a text-to-speech feature under their Cloud service. And it's one of the best in business. The feature uses Google’s state-of-the-art AI integration to detect and use hyper-realistic speech voices to create output.  The feature is available as an API that can be integrated into any project. There is a monthly cap on the free version. However, the pay-as-you-go plan would work best for anyone looking for a human-like speech for their texts.  Pros:  - Wide range of language support - Options for pitch, speaking rate, and volume gain- Easy-to-use API.  Read more: Best Ridesharing Apps in Bangladesh Cons: - Not a standalone software - Requires Google Cloud account.  Software Link: https://cloud.google.com/text-to-speech Panopreter Basic Panopreter basic works best for those who are new to the world of text-to-speech conversion. The interface of the software is designed in a way that is easy to navigate and quick to learn. The text input supports a host of options including direct web pages.  The output however is limited to either MP3 or WAV formats. There’s a premium plan that brings additional customizability.  Read more: Best Online Book Selling Websites in Bangladesh Pros:  - Ability to integrate web pages - Supports speech dictionary - Easy to navigate.  Cons: Only available for the Windows platform.  Software Link: https://www.panopreter.com/en/products/pb/index.php Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels WordTalk WordTalk is designed for those who exclusively work in the Microsoft Word platform. The software is developed by the University of Edinburgh as an extension of Microsoft Word. The extension interface is fairly simple and basic. However, the converter does support SAPI 4 and 5 voices with limited customizations.  The use of narration and keyboard shortcuts are also nice additions to this simple converter.  Pros:  - Can be used as an extension - SAPI 4 and 5 supported - Speech dictionary.  Read more: Humane’s Ai Pin: Incredible Features of the ‘Smartphone Killer’ Cons:  Only works with Microsoft Word.  Software Link: https://www.wordtalk.org.uk/ ReadAloud ReadAloud is designed as a text-to-speech converter on the go. It can be primarily used as a browser extension for real-time text-to-speech conversions. ReadAloud has been tested to work perfectly with web pages, PDFs, and Google Docs among others.  For real-time conversions, ReadAloud highlights the part of the texts being read for ease of following along.  Read more: Does Everyone Need to Learn Programming? The Truth About Coding in The Age of AI The free version has limited features. Users can choose a lifetime licensing for a one-time payment of $99.99 or subscribe to their monthly plan for $4.99.  Pros:  - Easy to use - Supports up to 55 languages - Text highlighting feature - Integrates seamlessly with any browser. Cons:  - Downloads are available only with the premium plan - Currently, it only works with Chrome and Firefox browsers. Read more: Can AI Replace Artists? Software Link: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/read-aloud-a-text-to-spee/hdhinadidafjejdhmfkjgnolgimiaplp?hl=en&pli=1

Toyota has come out with an all-new 2024 Land Cruiser. This latest model of this long-running SUV is smaller and less expensive than before and comes with a hybrid powertrain that gets better fuel economy than the previous V8. Yet, true to tradition, the Land Cruiser comes standard with four-wheel drive and ample ground clearance for help over rugged terrain. It should be a no-brainer for anyone shopping for an outdoorsy SUV. There’s just one thing: You might want to get a 2024 Lexus GX instead. It’s rare when you have an intra-family rivalry that is as compelling as these two models. The 2024 Lexus GX is similarly new and based on the same platform underpinning the Land Cruiser. It costs more than the Land Cruiser to start but is equally off-road capable, has a more powerful engine, and comes with a third row of seating. Edmunds’ auto experts put these two SUVs in a head-to-head comparison to see which is the better buy. Engines and Fuel Economy The Land Cruiser comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower. That robust torque figure helps the Land Cruiser feel responsive at low speeds, though getting up to speed on the highway takes a while. During testing, Edmunds found it needed 8.2 seconds to get to 60 mph. That’s fine for routine driving needs, though some shoppers might long for more highway passing power. On the plus side, the 2024 Land Cruiser gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The GX goes its own way in terms of its powertrain. Four-wheel drive is similarly standard, yet tucked under the hood is a turbocharged V6 that delivers 349 horsepower that helps the GX zip from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The trade-off is fuel efficiency. Lacking a hybrid setup like the Land Cruiser, the GX gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg combined. Efficiency-minded shoppers might prefer the Land Cruiser but in day-to-day driving the GX’s quicker acceleration is more appealing. Winner: Lexus GX Features and Value                The five-passenger Land Cruiser lineup kicks off with the entry-level 1958 trim level that starts at $57,345, including destination. It’s a bit of a stripped-down trim level, however. The more compelling buy is the midrange trim level known simply as Land Cruiser. Starting at $63,695, it’s equipped with more desirable features such as ventilated front seats with synthetic leather upholstery, an upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen and power liftgate. To get the GX 550, you’ll only need to pay about the same amount as for that midrange Land Cruiser: $64,250. This base Premium trim comes with a comparable amount of standard features as the midrange Land Cruiser. As a luxury model, the GX also offers a lot more high-end features than the Land Cruiser, including an available premium Mark Levinson sound system and massaging front seats. Of course, these features come at a price; the top GX trims are close to $80,000. Ultimately, the price gap between these two SUVs is closer than you might think, and both offer solid value. Winner: tie Driving and Comfort Having body-on-frame construction makes the Land Cruiser and GX highly capable when paved roads end. Thankfully, on-pavement driving manners are commendable too. Their upright designs and large windows provide excellent outward visibility. The front seats are supportive in both, though Edmunds found their second rows have less legroom than expected in vehicles this size. When driven at a more sedate pace, body control is good and a step above similarly outdoorsy rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Compared to the Land Cruiser, the GX does hold key advantages in terms of speedier acceleration and greater stability during hard braking. And while neither feels particularly nimble during spirited cornering, the Lexus’ suspension feels a little more refined. Winner: Lexus GX Cargo Space and Towing The GX is the only one of the two SUVs with a third row of seating. One hitch is that they’re very small and really only suitable for small kids. When occupied, cargo room shrinks to only 10.3 cubic feet, though this expands to a more usable 40.2 cubic feet in capacity with the third row folded. Open up the back of the Land Cruiser and you’ll have 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Towing is where the Lexus GX has an advantage. It is rated to pull up to 9,096 pounds when properly equipped. The Land Cruiser tops out at 6,000 pounds. Winner: Lexus GX Edmunds Says Both of these SUVs impress with their above-average off-road capability. The Land Cruiser has appeal because of its heritage-based styling and lower starting price. But compare it to the GX and you’ll find that paying just a bit more gets you a notably better SUV.

Three years ago, Google set an ambitious plan to address climate change by going “net zero,” meaning it would release no more climate-changing gases into the air than it removes, by 2030. But a report from the company Tuesday shows it is nowhere near meeting that goal. Rather than declining, its emissions grew 13% in 2023 over the year before. Compared to its baseline year of 2019, emissions have soared 48%. Google cited artificial intelligence and the demand it puts on data centers, which require massive amounts of electricity, for last year’s growth. Making that electricity by burning coal or natural gas emits greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane, which warm the planet, bringing more extreme weather. The company has one of the most significant climate commitments in industry and has been seen as a leader. Lisa Sachs, director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, said Google should be doing more to partner with cleaner companies and invest in the electrical grid. “The reality is that we are far behind what we could already be doing now with the technology that we have, with the resources that we have, in terms of advancing the transition,” she said. Google Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt told The Associated Press, “Reaching this net zero goal by 2030, this is an extremely ambitious goal. What Is Google Gemini AI? How to Use the New Chatbot Model “We know this is not going to be easy and that our approach will need to continue to evolve,” Brandt added, “and it will require us to navigate a lot of uncertainty, including this uncertainty around the future of AI’s environmental impacts.” Some experts say the rapidly expanding data centers needed to power AI threaten the entire transition to clean electricity, an important part of addressing climate change. That’s because a new data center can delay the closure of a power plant that burns fossil fuel or prompt a new one to be built. Data centers are not only energy-intensive, they require high voltage transmission lines and need significant amounts of water to stay cool. They are also noisy. They often are built where electricity is cheapest, not where renewables, such as wind and solar, are a key source of energy. Global data center and AI electricity demand could double by 2026, according to the International Energy Agency. Can a bot be ‘too woke’? Google to fix Gemini’s AI image generation after criticism Other major tech company sustainability plans are also challenged by the proliferation of data centers. They caused Microsoft’s emissions to grow 29% above its 2020 baseline, the company said in an environmental sustainability report in May. Tech companies make the case that AI, including tools such as ChatGPT, is not only partially causing climate change, it’s also helping to address it. In the case of Google, that could mean using data to predict future flooding, or making traffic flow more efficiently, to save gasoline. Amanda Smith, senior scientist at the climate nonprofit Project Drawdown, said those who use AI — both large companies and individuals just making memes — need to do so responsibly, meaning using the energy only when it benefits society. “It’s up to us as humans to watch what we’re doing with it and to question why we’re doing that,” Smith added. “When it’s worth it, we can make sure that those demands are going to be met by clean sources of power.” Haier launches new 4K Google TV, opens new outlet in Dhaka’s Bashabo Google’s emissions grew last year in part because the company used more energy; 25,910 gigawatt-hours more, an increase from the year before and more than double the hours of energy consumed just four years earlier. A gigawatt-hour is roughly the energy that a power plant serving several hundred thousand households puts out in one hour. On the positive side, as Google’s consumption grows, so has its use of renewable power. The company said in 2020 it would meet its massive need for electricity using only clean energy every hour of every day by 2030, all over the world. Last year, Google says, it saw an average of 64% carbon-free energy for its data centers and offices around the globe. The company says its data centers are, on average, 1.8 times as energy efficient as others in the industry. Sachs, at Columbia University, credited Google for its ambition and honesty, but said she hopes “that Google would join us in a more rigorous conversation about how to accelerate” clean energy amid the climate crisis, “so that it doesn’t get much worse before it starts getting better.”