AI in everyday life has a hidden and significant environmental cost

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become integrated into everyday life, found in phones, search engines, word processors, and email services. However, its use comes at a significant environmental cost. Each query to an AI consumes energy, usually generated by fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Data centers that support AI manage information, store data, and generate user queries. They require enormous amounts of energy and water to remain operational; some consume up to 18.9 million liters of water per day, equivalent to the consumption of a city of 50,000 people. Furthermore, their dependence on fossil fuels increases their carbon footprint, as many power grids cannot integrate more renewable energy.

The impact of AI is not obvious to users. For example, generating a single high-definition image can consume as much energy as charging half a cell phone, and more complex tasks can multiply this consumption hundreds or thousands of times. Still, technological development seeks efficiency, even though the Jevons Paradox states that as resources become cheaper, consumption tends to increase.

Experts recommend responsible practices to mitigate this impact: limiting iterative queries, using AI only when necessary, opting for human-captured images, and local tools that don't rely on large data centers. Some search engines, like Ecosia, employ efficient algorithms and offset emissions by planting trees. Other platforms, like ChatGPT, offer temporary chat options to reduce storage and energy use.

Furthermore, the majority of data center energy consumption comes from collecting data from social media and cryptocurrencies. Reducing the time spent on these digital activities also reduces the carbon footprint.

The challenge is not only to raise awareness about the impact of AI, but also about all everyday digital activities. Every small action, from AI queries to limiting streaming or social media, can contribute to a more sustainable use of technology and mitigate its effects on climate change.