Expert warns of AI’s heavy environmental impact on energy use
Researchers are developing tools to measure AI’s carbon footprint, aiming to promote more sustainable practices in the tech industry.
Generative AI is significantly more energy-intensive than traditional search engines, according to researcher Sasha Luccioni, who has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the technology. Generating new information requires vast computing power and energy, particularly for models like ChatGPT, which rely on extensive data training.
The AI and cryptocurrency sectors consumed nearly 460 terawatt hours of electricity in 2022, around two percent of global production, according to the International Energy Agency. Luccioni, a leading expert on AI’s climate impact, has developed tools to quantify the carbon footprint of AI technologies, helping developers make informed decisions.
Efforts to mitigate the environmental consequences of AI are underway. Luccioni is working on a certification system to rate the energy efficiency of AI models, aiming to encourage more sustainable practices. Transparency from tech giants like Google and OpenAI is essential, as their greenhouse gas emissions have surged due to AI development.
The solution, Luccioni argues, lies in a combination of government legislation, increased transparency, and better public understanding of AI’s limitations and environmental costs. She advocates for ‘energy sobriety’ by using AI tools more judiciously and making environmentally conscious decisions.
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