The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have a significant environmental impact, with researchers predicting that the industry could generate the equivalent of over 10 billion iPhone's worth of electronic waste (e-waste) per year by 2030.

A recent study published in the journal Nature estimates that the computing requirements of AI models will lead to a massive increase in e-waste, with the potential to reach 0.4-2.5 million tons per year by 2030, up from 2.6 thousand tons in 2023. This staggering figure highlights the need for the tech industry to adopt sustainable solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of AI's rapid expansion.

The researchers suggest that adopting circular economy solutions, such as downcycling servers and repurposing components, could reduce the waste load by 16-86%. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on their widespread adoption, making it a choice rather than an inevitability.

As the AI industry continues to grow, it's essential for startups and tech companies to prioritize sustainability and develop environmentally friendly practices to minimize the environmental impact of their innovations. The study serves as a wake-up call for the industry to take responsibility for its e-waste and work towards a more sustainable future.