AI Amidst the Flames: How AI is Helping and Harming Los Angeles
As the wildfires in Los Angeles continue to spread damage and cause harm to California citizens, artificial intelligence has played a large role in minimizing the effects of the fires. However, AI has negative consequences as well, such as high energy consumption by data centers and the spread of misinformation online. New technology and social media highlights are currently being used to keep the public informed, but at times their interference can add to existing crises.
Below are a few examples of the effects of AI in Los Angeles’ current state, starring both the good and the bad.
1. Wildfire Detection Using AI-Powered Cameras
Firefighters in California have been using kerosene-powered aircrafts and new AI detectors to effectively target the fires and pour water onto affected areas. Specifically, bomber planes and helicopters made by US and Canadian engineers are aiding in collecting seawater and dispersing it on the flames.
AI has also helped officials track fire outrages, as a relatively new platform called ALERTCalifornia works to detect smoke and indications of wildfires through live camera footage. Researchers at the University of California San Diego created this AI tracking system that now has 1,038 cameras in areas of concern, with hopes of stopping the fires before they escalate.
2. Wildfire Tracking with Watch Duty App
Since the uproar of chaos in Los Angeles, the nonprofit Watch Duty App has been receiving significant attention over the past week. In fact, with the app’s ability to quickly provide information about active fires, evacuation zones, air quality and wind direction in specific areas, there has been a frenzy of over 1 million downloads in the span of two days.
The founders of the Watch Duty App pride themselves in making the platform easily accessible and have plans to expand the app’s resources to other parts of the United States.
3. Misinformation Spread from AI-Generated Posts
On January 8th, another fire broke out in Runyon Canyon, known as the Sunset Fire because of its appearance on the Hollywood Hills. This caused much concern for the residents in the area and the survival of the infamous Hollywood Sign.
Later that night after the fire was contained, dramatic images of the Hollywood Sign up in flames circulated on social media. These fake posts made by AI led to unnecessary stress and commotion about the beloved sign.
4. AI Data Centers Consuming Energy Sources
It’s no secret that data processing centers for AI technology are using vast amounts of water and electricity for their function. As freshwater from high-elevation hydrants becomes scarce in Los Angeles, lawmakers in Sacramento have released several bills that aim to regulate the amount of energy used in these centers.
Two of the bills have included rules that keep companies accountable with their energy usage, while two others encourage a more environmentally-friendly approach for the long term upkeep of data centers.
Balancing the Effects of AI
As artificial intelligence continues to dominate our world, it’s important to recognize the positive and negative effects that it has, especially on active natural disasters. Balancing the use of AI means being conscious of AI-driven solutions while checking for factual information and resource sustainability.
