Teaching Computers to Love the Planet

There is not a lot known about Artificial Intelligence, nor how much it is harming the environment for you to use ChatGPT for everyday tasks, however, what we do know is that ‘the environmental impact of AI is concerning,’ according to the limited data. [1] LSE University found that AI data centres ‘contribute about 1% of global energy related greenhouse gas emissions… which is set to double by 2030.’ [2] Furthermore, Artificial intelligence drains the earths water supply, withdrawing a projected ‘4.2-6.6 billion cubic metres of water,’ by 2027. [3] Training a singular AI model, like ChatGPT requires 1,300MWh of electricity and produces hundreds of tons of CO2, the equivalent to powering dozens of homes for a year. [4] Some academics state that the use of numerous AI related systems could actually produce upwards of tens of millions of tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to a small European countries output. [5]

The Growing Reliance on AI

Regardless, it seems that we can not escape the use of AI. The UNEP (UN Environmental Programme) themselves admit to ‘using AI to detect when oil and gas installations vent methane.’ [6] It seems that those who benefit from AI usage the most, such as Amazon, champion Artificial Intelligence as ‘a catalyst for more green energy.’ [7] So whilst AI may help to tackle some aspects of climate change and pollution, surely it does more harm than good? Not necessarily speaking – the Datacentre states tat ‘by building more efficient and sustainable data centres, AI’s benefits are set to outweigh its environmental costs.’ [8]

Can AI Help Tackle Climate Change?

For example, AI can help to ‘support the transition to alternative proteins, as 18% of calories from meat and dairy result in 60% of agricultural emissions.’ [9] By reducing emissions across transport and supply chains, the net environmental effect of Artificial Intelligence can help solve the problem of climate change and help to optimise renewable energy. 

The Role of Policy, Governance and Regulation

Policy, governance and corporate decision making can aid the renewable future of AI, exploring regulatory measures, for example, locating data centres near to renewable energy sources and investing in carbon cooling technologies. Right now, AI data centres are known to add further problems to areas facing geographic inequalities, where the electricity is cheap and water is abundant. For example, in The Dalles, Oregon, Googles data centre consumed 29% of the city’s total water supply in 2021, leading to local resource strain in an already drought-prone area. [10]

Conclusion

If managed effectively, Artificial Intelligence has the capacity to not only minimise its own carbon footprint, but play a meaningful role in addressing the wider challenges of climate change and environmental stability. 

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References

Image accreditation: Patrick Tomasso (September 2021) on Unsplash.com. Last accessed on 15th January 2025. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/green-plant-on-white-ceramic-pot-QaGn4bmlim4