⁠Can Exponential Growth Save a Finite Planet? Ep187: Azeem Azhar

As we race towards a future powered by AI and data centres, how will the insatiable demand for energy impact the environment? With the richest companies ploughing billions into energy generation, might there be some unexpected upsides for the climate transition? And can exponential technologies address the climate crisis on a finite planet?

This week on Cleaning Up, host Michael Liebreich sits down with Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View, to explore the complex relationship between exponential growth, climate change, and the societal implications of transformative technologies. Michael and Azeem delve into the promises and pitfalls of a future shaped by the rapid advancements in renewable energy, battery storage, and artificial intelligence.

Exponential View:
Listeners of Cleaning Up can receive one year of complimentary access to Exponential View Premium, visit: https://www.exponentialview.co/cleani.... Offer valid for 7 days starting November 27, 2024.

Leadership Circle:
Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.

Links:
   • The Solar Revolution - Past, Present ...  
   • Battery Recycling Is Here - But Where...  
   • Separating Hype from Hydrogen – Part ...  
   • Separating Hype from Hydrogen – Part ...  
   • Inside the World's Largest AI Supercl...  
• AI's $600bn problem: https://www.sequoiacap.com/article/ai...

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
02:30 - Azeem and Exponential View
06:30 - Exponential Epiphany
09:55 - S-Curves vs Exponential Growth
17:02 - Where's the Solar Going?
20:50 - It Doesn't Work Everywhere
26:38 - Utopian Thinking vs Regulation
30:31 - Nationalised Energy
33:57 - Clean Tech Monopolies
42:00 - Data Centres and AI
46:00 - State of the Art AI & Nuclear
55:20 - Growth of US
59:08 - Is this an AI Bubble?
01:06:10 - Who Decides How AI is Used?
01:09:00 - Limits to Exponential Growth
01:10:22 - Outro