Introduction
Every time we use AI, powerful computers consume energy to process our requests. This raised important questions about the environmental footprint of this technology. Understanding the energy costs of AI helps us make informed choices about when and how to use these tools responsibly. These resources examine both the environmental challenges AI presents and the ways AI is being used to address climate change and sustainability, giving a balanced view of this important topic.
What You Need to Know
AI has a significant environmental footprint that rarely makes headlines. Training large AI models—like ChatGPT or Claude—requires enormous amounts of computing power, which means enormous amounts of electricity and water for cooling data centers.
To put it in perspective: training a single large AI model can generate as much carbon as five cars over their entire lifetimes. And that's just the training. Every time you ask an AI a question, servers somewhere are using energy to generate your response. Multiply that by millions of users, and the impact adds up.
Water usage is another concern. Data centers need cooling, and many use significant amounts of water. In regions already facing water scarcity, this raises real questions about priorities.
The picture isn't all negative. AI is also being used to address environmental problems: optimizing energy grids, improving climate models, helping design more efficient buildings, and monitoring deforestation. Some argue these benefits could outweigh the costs.
The environmental impact of AI is a legitimate concern, not a reason to avoid using it entirely. But it's worth knowing that these tools aren't "free" in any sense—there's a physical infrastructure behind every response.
What You Need to Do
Use AI thoughtfully, not wastefully. We don't need to ration our questions, but there's no need for excess either. Asking one clear, well-constructed question is better (and more environmentally friendly) than asking ten vague ones.
Be aware, not anxious. Our individual AI use has a tiny environmental footprint compared to industrial uses. Awareness is valuable; guilt isn't particularly useful.
Support good policy. The bigger environmental questions around AI will be addressed through corporate decisions and government policy, not individual behavior. Supporting transparency requirements and renewable energy standards for tech companies matters more than personal abstinence.
Notice greenwashing. Tech companies love to emphasize AI's environmental benefits while downplaying its costs. Read such claims with healthy skepticism.
Keep perspective. AI's environmental impact is real but exists alongside many other environmental considerations. It's one factor among many in how we think about technology and sustainability.
Class Presentation
Deep Dive Audio from NotebookLM - AI Drinks Water and Burns Coal
Explainer Video from NotebookLM
Infographics from NotebookLM
Made with Bullet