Sun Sep 15 03:33:17 UTC 2024: ## AI’s Energy Footprint: Think Twice Before Using ChatGPT and Midjourney

**Montreal** – A leading AI researcher, Sasha Luccioni, is raising the alarm about the environmental impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Luccioni, recognized as one of the world’s most influential AI figures, has been diligently measuring the carbon footprint of these technologies, finding that they consume up to 30 times more energy than traditional search engines.

“It’s particularly disappointing that generative AI is used for internet searches,” says Luccioni. Unlike search engines that simply retrieve existing information, generative AI models create new content, requiring massive computing power for training and operation. The result? A significant increase in energy consumption.

According to the International Energy Agency, the AI and cryptocurrency industries together consumed almost 460 terawatt hours of electricity in 2022, representing 2% of global electricity production. This energy demand is only expected to rise as these technologies become more integrated into our lives.

Luccioni, who co-created the carbon footprint measurement tool CodeCarbon, advocates for greater transparency from tech giants like Google and OpenAI. She is developing a certification system for AI algorithms, similar to the US EPA’s energy efficiency rating system for electronics, to enable users to make informed choices based on energy consumption.

“We are accelerating the climate crisis,” warns Luccioni, citing the significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions from AI development at Google and Microsoft. She calls for government intervention, demanding transparency in data sets and algorithms to allow for effective legislation.

Luccioni emphasizes that the solution lies not in rejecting AI, but in adopting a more sustainable approach. She urges users to be mindful of the energy costs associated with generative AI and to choose the appropriate tools for their needs.

“The idea is not to oppose AI,” Luccioni explains, “but rather to choose the right tools and use them judiciously.”

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