A Disturbing Vision of Our Future

In a chilling echo of Harlan Ellison's 1967 dystopian tale "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream," former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently painted a grim picture of what the future may hold for humanity during a hearing with Congress. In Ellison's story, a malevolent superintelligence decimates humanity for its amusement, a scenario Schmidt seems to almost endorse with his alarming projections.

The Energy Demands of AI

During his presentation to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Schmidt claimed that the energy demands for the tech industry could soar from a mere 3% to a staggering 99% of total energy production within a few years. He stressed the urgent need for all types of energy—renewable or not—warning that 29 gigawatts will be necessary by 2027 and an additional 67 gigawatts by 2030.

A Race Against China

Schmidt's comments also reflected a deep concern over AI advancements in China, claiming that if the country achieves superintelligence before the U.S., it could drastically shift global power dynamics. This assertion led to Energy Committee Chair Brett Guthrie characterizing Schmidt's warning as a "sober assessment," a statement that is both troubling and controversial, especially given the skepticism from many AI researchers regarding the immediacy of superintelligent AI.

The Corporate Capture Strategy

Why the alarmist rhetoric? Many tech billionaires employ strategies of "corporate capture"—scaring lawmakers into granting them favorable conditions to flourish. Schmidt's urgent pleas could be seen as an attempt to secure a massive influx of energy resources and funding for the AI sector, much like other Silicon Valley giants that have maneuvered for regulatory advantages.

A Troubling Conflict of Interest

Towards the end of 2022, Schmidt faced scrutiny for concealing direct investments in AI startups while serving as chairman of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Although deemed "technically legal," experts warn that this could pose serious ethical dilemmas in an industry already fraught with challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Fate of AI and Energy

As the stakes rise, tech giants are racing to develop powerful AI models, often bypassing critical regulations to ensure their dominance. With Schmidt's alarm bells ringing about energy consumption and the potential of superintelligent AI, one must wonder: are we hurtling towards a future reminiscent of Ellison's nightmare?