How Much Energy Does AI Use? The People Who Know Aren’t Saying
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Study: AI Reasoning Models Emit 50X More CO2 Than Others
Above: App logos of AI companies. Image copyright: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Techno-skeptic narrative
The environmental toll of AI is staggering and accelerating at an alarming pace. As AI systems proliferate and become more sophisticated, they're consuming electricity at unprecedented rates, with data centers potentially accounting for 4-6% of global electricity by 2030 — equivalent to powering entire nations. The world is witnessing an environmental catastrophe unfolding in real time, disguised as progress.
Techno-optimist narrative
Despite AI's voracious energy appetite, this technology emerges as a paradoxical ally in the fight against climate change. AI systems reduce emissions by orders of magnitude compared to humans performing the same tasks. From optimizing fuel-efficient transportation routes to accelerating climate-resilient crop development, AI's computational prowess could ultimately prevent more emissions than it generates.