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Climate Action and Sustainability Center

Climate Change and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

As a center focused on climate change and sustainability, CASC is concerned about environmental resource use and injustices incurred using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as Chat GPT and Copilot.

While companies which produce GenAI products do not share specific data on carbon-based energy and water use for their applications, the most accepted data point for now is the example of an AI application using 10x the amount of energy as a simple Google search for the same query. AI uses more energy and water because it analyzes patterns of language data to create something new, such an essay. On the other hand, a traditional search uses already existing material to answer a query. Recalling already existing material takes less energy and water than creating something new with AI.

Until more is known about the environmental and social costs of AI usage, we encourage you to consider employing AI only when it is essential for the task at hand. There is a learning curve to using AI properly, therefore we suggest you learn what AI can and cannot do to determine if it should be used. 

We encourage everyone to consider the following suggestions as a means of reducing the overall environmental and social impacts of their personal use of GenAI: 

    • For gathering information and other simple requests, use an internet search engine, not an AI tool. Google automatically generates AI responses, even when you ask it not to do so. Here are two options: 
      • Add to your Chrome/Google browser this extension which blocks AI generated answers on Google.
      • Try using alternative search engines such as DuckDuckGo, Mojeek, or SearxNG for AI-free searches.
    • When using GenAI, prepare your prompt with as much detail as possible, taking the time to refine before submitting it. A good prompt includes specific information about the content and intended audience, length, and purpose you want in the result. See more advice for writing an effective prompt here.
    • While AI has become increasingly common for everyday tasks like grocery lists and personal affirmations, AI dependency is accelerating, putting further pressure on the energy grid and therefore driving climate change and regional ecological decline. Please consider using AI tools only where needed for specific workflows.  

Below is a list of resources for students to consider using before turning to AI for help:   

Lastly, as you would with any type of climate action, consider talking to your friends, colleagues, and students about the relationship between climate change, carbon emissions, and use of AI. Knowledge is power.

For more information and research studies about the concerns surrounding AI, please select from the links below. 

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