In a recent interview with the BBC, Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East & Africa stated that (AI) technology is “too important not to get right” and has the potential for “huge breakthroughs” across industries.
The global conversation on AI’s pros and cons continues. Google has entered a research collaboration with the University of Cambridge. This includes a grant for the university’s Centre for Human-Inspired AI, where experts from both entities will collaborate. The comprehensive partnership will delve into robotics, healthcare and climate change. This aligns with the upcoming UK AI safety summit at Bletchley Park, which aims to gather industry leaders as the mounting discourse on AI’s advantages has driven regulatory efforts worldwide.
Getting it Right
“If we get it right, there could be huge breakthroughs in health, the potential for unlimited, clean energy, and a society where everyone has opportunities through education and powerful, intelligent tools,” said Brittin. “So this is a huge opportunity for us to do that.”
Brittin also highlighted that Google and its AI branch, DeepMind, have long prioritized sustainability and tackling the climate crisis. Their research has effectively decreased energy usage and expenses in Google’s data centers.
“I joined the company in 2007, and that was the year we became carbon neutral — we became one of the world’s biggest purchasers of renewables,” said Brittin before adding that by 2025 Google’s recent UK power purchase contracts will ensure that services in the country operate on nearly 100% carbon-free energy.
He also highlighted international initiatives like optimizing traffic lights to minimize pollution and utilizing Google Maps to identify energy-saving routes or optimal locations for solar panels.
