How Do I Use AI and Protect the Environment

"Which car is safer to drive in the snow: a 2013 Toyota Prius or a 2016 Honda Civic?"

"Can you give me a one-pan recipe that uses chicken, avocado, and green beans?"

"Write a chapter that could be included in Pride and Prejudice but in the style of Stephen King."

These are just some of the queries that I've entered into Chat GPT. Since it debuted in late 2022, over 100 million active users have used the website that is partly owned by Microsoft, Elon Musk, and others. The rapid success of ChatGPT has spurred the growth of numerous other generative artificial intelligence services, such as Microsoft's Copilot, Google's Gemini, and Meta AI. These tools have made it easier than ever to beef up resumes, find recipes, create fantastical images, and answer even the most absurd questions.

However, with all the conveniences Ai brings, there's a darker side to the rise of artificial intelligence: deep fake videos of presidents fighting, misinformation spreading at lighting speed, and teachers across the world worrying that their students are using these tools to complete entire essays - without fact checking or proofreading it first. As damaging as the aforementioned effects of AI are, there is another factor to consider that is harmful to all of us: the environmental costs of AI.

Since 2018, the United Nations has recognized January 24th as the International Day of Education. This year's theme is "AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation". In light of this, it's fitting to examine not only the impact of AI on education but also its consequences for the environment. How does the growing demand for AI contribute to the ecological crisis, and what can we do to mitigate this damage?

The Growing Demand for AI and Its Environmental Toll

Generative AI tools are undeniably popular, and this demand shows no signs of slowing. A Havard study indicates that about half of teenage respondents say they have used generative AI. Many say they have used it for brainstorming, help with homework, and even to cheat on assignments. Without a doubt, generative AI is becoming more intertwined with education.

Despite its usability, the fact of the matter is that AI is extremely wasteful of resources. Data centers power generative AI tools and need to use water, and a lot of it, to keep the data processors cool.

To illustrate the scale of AI's impact: A single query using ChatGPT consumes about 10 times the electricity of a Google search. In fact, it is predicted that there will be a 160% increase in data center power demand by 2030. And as generative AI tools become more ubiquitous, their resource consumption will only increase.

The Emotional Toll of Climate Change on Students

Perhaps what makes this issue even more pressing is the emotional toll it's taking on younger generations, particularly students. According to recent surveys, more than half of students report feeling sadness, anxiety, anger, and guilt when discussing climate change. With AI's resource consumption contributing to the environmental crisis, students who are already emotionally taxed by climate concerns may feel conflicted about using the very tools that could help them academically.

Interestingly, while many students are deeply concerned about climate change, they are also part of the generation that increasingly depends on AI. This creates a tension between the immediate benefits of using AI for homework or creative projects and the long-term environmental consequences of its widespread use. If students care about the planet's future, is it responsible for them to continue contributing to a system that's burning through resources at an unsustainable rate?

The Case for Renewable Energy and Sustainable AI Practices

The key to reducing AI's environmental impact is transforming how data centers operate-specifically, by transitioning to renewable energy. While some companies in the AI space claim to use renewable power, most data centers still rely on local grids, which often include fossil fuels. The shift to renewables is a complex but necessary goal. As AI demand grows, so does the need for a sustainable energy system to support it.

Transitioning to renewable energy is not without challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure and land use. While solar and wind farms are part of the solution, these would require significant space and investment. However, with continued advancements in renewable technology and energy storage, it is possible to reduce AI's reliance on non-renewable power sources and meet growing energy needs. For instance, the cost of solar and wind energy has dropped by over 80% in the last decade, and the global capacity for renewable energy generation has been steadily increasing, with wind and solar expected to generate nearly 50% of global electricity by 2050. This means that powering data centers with renewables is not just possible-it is increasingly practical.

It's clear that AI is not going anywhere. The demand for these tools will only continue to rise. But with this demand comes a responsibility-both to the planet and to future generations. As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must be mindful of its impact on the environment and work toward creating sustainable systems that can support technological innovation without sacrificing the health of our planet.

This is why EARTHDAY.ORG has chosen Our Power, Our Planet™ as the theme for Earth Day 2025, advocating for a triple in renewable energy generation by 2030. Stand with us in demanding #RenewableEnergyNow by signing the Our Power, Our Planet Renewable Energy Petition, urging global leaders to pursue renewable energy.

Also, join the Earth Day Educator Network by registering as an Earth Day Educator Representative and submitting your students' climate projects to the Earth Day Showcase. By getting involved, you can be part of the global movement driving climate action.

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