AI Expert Warns ChatGPT Queries Waste Water and Energy
date
Dec 10, 2024
damn
language
en
status
Published
type
News
image
https://www.ai-damn.com/1733800859004-202304231721019071_2.jpg
slug
ai-expert-warns-chatgpt-queries-waste-water-and-energy-1733800939076
tags
AI
Generative AI
Sustainability
ChatGPT
Environmental Impact
summary
Australian AI expert Kate Crawford highlights the environmental impact of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, warning that each query wastes half a liter of water and that AI energy consumption could rival Japan's within a year. She calls for a shift toward sustainability in the industry.
In a recent lecture at the State Library of Victoria, Australian AI expert Kate Crawford raised significant concerns about the environmental costs of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI models like ChatGPT. As AI technology continues to expand globally, Crawford warned that its rapid development could exacerbate existing environmental challenges.
Environmental Impact of AI: Water and Energy Consumption
Crawford, a professor and researcher in AI ethics, emphasized that generative AI, if not properly managed, could soon consume as much energy as an entire country. She pointed out that within a year, the energy demand from generative AI systems could reach levels equivalent to the energy consumption of Japan. This staggering projection highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices in AI development.
The expert also drew attention to a lesser-known but equally concerning aspect of AI's environmental footprint: water usage. She compared the environmental cost of a single query made to ChatGPT to the consumption of half a liter of water. This comparison, she argued, makes it easier to understand the resource-intensive nature of these systems. “We are wasting a significant amount of water on these systems, and many people are unaware of the scale of the issue,” Crawford said.
The Need for Sustainability in AI Development
Crawford’s comments come as the popularity of ChatGPT continues to soar, with user numbers surpassing 300 million globally. While OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is optimistic about the continued growth of AI, Crawford stressed the importance of integrating sustainability into the AI industry's future trajectory.
“We are under immense pressure to achieve decarbonization by the middle of this century,” Crawford noted, underscoring the urgency of addressing the environmental impact of emerging technologies. Without concerted efforts to reduce carbon emissions, she warned, the consequences could be dire for the planet.
Her message is clear: sustainability should be the central focus for AI developers and not the race to create more advanced or competitive systems. “The priority for the entire industry should be sustainability, not who is ahead in the AI race,” she added. Crawford believes that the AI industry must shift its focus from sheer technological progress to building systems that minimize harm to the environment.
The Social Role of Generative AI
Despite the environmental concerns, Crawford acknowledged the potential for AI to contribute positively to society. She believes generative AI can be a powerful tool for social prosperity, provided it is developed and deployed in a responsible manner. However, she warned that without careful consideration of its environmental impact, the AI industry could face backlash and public scrutiny in the future.
“Generative AI should be a catalyst for social good, not a source of problems that we will have to solve later,” Crawford said. She urged the industry to balance innovation with the pressing need for sustainability.
Image source note: Image generated by AI, licensed by Midjourney.
Key Points
- Each ChatGPT query wastes half a liter of water, highlighting the need for more sustainable AI systems.
- Generative AI’s energy consumption could rival Japan’s within a year, necessitating urgent sustainable practices.
- Sustainability should take priority over competition in the AI industry to avoid long-term environmental damage.