1. For much of the 20th century, AI struggled not from a lack of ambition, but because available hardware wasn't powerful enough. Early systems hit limits on processing speed and memory, contributing to "AI winters" as progress stalled and funding dried up. Today, this problem is largely resolved. AI models are now trained on specialized chips in vast data centers. Compute, which used to be the main bottleneck, can now simply be purchased. Companies like Nvidia mass-produce powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) – originally designed for gaming but perfectly suited to AI calculations. What holds AI back now? The physical limit of electricity.

2. Modern AI models don't just train once; they operate continuously, powering chatbots, search engines, and autonomous agents. This shift has made AI a constant, large-scale electricity consumer. According to Sampsa Samila of IESE Business School, "the core issue is not a shortage of energy in absolute terms, but rather the availability of reliable, firm capacity at the right place and the right time".

3. Predictions for AI energy consumption show this strain. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects data centers will consume more than twice as much electricity by the decade's end. In parts of the U.S., data center power usage already rivals heavy industry.

4. How AI is used matters as much as how it is trained. Training large models consumes immense power but occurs infrequently. What is growing faster is the everyday work of models responding to users. Samila notes that newer "reasoning" AI systems, which deliberate longer, push energy demands into everyday operations rather than occasional large training runs.

(Adapted from https://www.livescience.com)

1. Megafires, which were once rare, are becoming more frequent. Over the past 40 years, the number of acres burned by wildfires in the United States has risen by 1,000 percent. Scientists believe that climate change is a key reason for this increase. Warmer and drier weather, along with earlier snowmelt, means that the dry season is now longer, leaving forests more vulnerable to fires.

2. In addition, past land management policies have also made the problem worse. For many years, the U.S. Forest Service focused on putting out all wildfires. However, people did not understand that some forests have evolved to burn. Occasional small fires remove undergrowth and allow new trees to grow, which helps keep the forests healthy.

3. During the 20th century, when forest rangers fought every fire, large amounts of dead wood built up in the forests. This created the perfect conditions for larger, hotter fires. When a fire starts in these areas, it is more likely to become a megafire. Unlike regular wildfires, megafires can permanently change the landscape. For example, the 2011 Las Conchas megafire in New Mexico turned some forested areas into grasslands.

4. Some areas, like Florida and Australia, have used controlled burns to reduce the damage caused by wildfires. These fires are set deliberately to burn away dead matter without harming living plants. However, the U.S. Forest Service currently spends much of its budget fighting megafires, which are becoming more common each year.

5. In an ironic feedback loop, megafires are not only fueled by climate change, they also contribute to it by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, megafires could become even more common in the decades ahead.

1. Vietnam is famous globally for its rich cuisine, and Pho stands out as the national soul dish. Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism agreed to build a national dossier for Pho. The goal is to submit it to UNESCO for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This plan aims to affirm the cultural value of the dish and protect it for future generations.

2. Pho consists of flat rice noodles, slices of meat, and fresh herbs. The two primary types are Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken), though there are many regional variations. However, the secret to a great bowl always lies in the soup base. Making the broth is a complex process that requires a lot of patience and skill. Cooks often simmer bones for many hours to extract the sweetness. It must be clear, hot, and fragrant with spices like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and grilled ginger.

3. In Vietnam, eating Pho is a daily habit, not just a special treat. It is a popular breakfast choice, but it serves as a delicious lunch or dinner as well. People from all walks of life enjoy this traditional meal, sitting anywhere from plastic stools on sidewalks to chairs in luxury restaurants. Everyone loves the warm and comforting feeling that the hot noodle soup brings, especially on cooler days.

4. The preparation of the dossier involves gathering knowledge deeply rooted in communities, particularly in Hanoi and Nam Dinh. These places are considered the birthplace of the dish. Nam Dinh is known for its original beef noodle soup, while Hanoi is famous for its refined style. Local families have preserved the recipes for generations. If UNESCO accepts the proposal, it will be a great honor, helping to promote Vietnamese tourism and culture to international friends.