Link Roundup: June 24, 2024
June 24, 2024
This week, we’ve got two links: one on the relationship between AI and environmental concerns, and one on action titles as a tool for slide design.
In these link roundups, I generate summaries using AI and edit those summaries for accuracy and usefulness. Then, I offer some thoughts of my own.
Jude Coleman, AI’s Climate Impact Goes beyond Its Emissions
Generated Summary (ChatGPT)
Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly impacts the environment beyond its carbon dioxide emissions from training and running systems, as its diverse applications often have greater effects. Experts like Jesse Dodge and David Rolnick emphasize that AI’s primary environmental impact comes from its usage, which can either harm or help the environment. For instance, AI can increase fossil fuel production, exacerbating emissions, but it also aids in disaster response and emissions monitoring through tools like xView2 and Climate TRACE. Effective climate action requires addressing AI's emissions and applications, with ethical guidelines and policies to minimize harm and maximize benefits.
My Thoughts
I found this to be a really interesting take on the relationship between AI technologies and environmental impacts. I have a lot of qualms about the environmental aspects involved in developing LLMs. Still, I appreciate Coleman’s reminder that these impacts are context-based, and that AI can also be put to use for noble environmental purposes. As always, I would argue that a more engaged humanities would be especially well-suited to help guide technological development toward these applications.
Alexandra Hazard Kampmann, Matz Stigzelius, “How to Write Slide Action Titles Like McKinsey (With Examples)”
Generated Summary (ChatGPT)
The Slideworks.io article on writing action titles like McKinsey explains the importance of action titles in PowerPoint presentations. An action title conveys the main takeaway of a slide in a concise, active sentence, improving clarity, cohesiveness, and impact. The article provides steps and best practices for crafting effective action titles, such as being specific, concise, and using an active voice. These titles help to structure the presentation's storyline and ensure that each slide's message is clear and compelling.
My Thoughts
I typically teach slide design using Edward Tufte’s principles for information-rich visual content. I came across this link, and I’m honestly not entirely sure how I feel about its recommendations. While it has merit in terms of foregrounding clarity and concision, at times I feel like this falls more in line with some of the things that Tufte, for example, would see as non-essential visual information. In any case, I did find it useful and may use it as a counterpoint example for business and technical writing students.