The energy consumption of AI is lower than previously assumed

Contrary to popular belief, new research finds that the use of artificial intelligence has minimal impact on global greenhouse gas emissions and can actually benefit the environment and the economy.

For their study, researchers from the University of Waterloo and the Georgia Institute of Technology combined data on the U.S. economy with estimates of AI use in various industries to determine the environmental impact if AI use continues on current trends.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, 83 percent of the US economy runs on oil, coal and natural gas, all of which contribute to climate change when burned. The study authors found that while AI power consumption in the US was equivalent to energy consumption for all of Iceland, the amounts were not noticeable on a global or national level.

“It is important to note that the increase in energy consumption will not be uniform. It will be felt more in the places where electricity is available…”