By Fiona Donnellan

It’s a topic that came up at a recent networking event, AI and the planet.

We’ve all seen the headlines about the environmental costs of using AI. The data centres powering AI tools like ChatGPT require huge amounts of electricity and water, which puts a strain not only on our current systems but can even disrupt local ecosystems.

According to experts from the University of California, using ChatGPT for between ten to 50 queries consumes about two litres of water. And in a recent TED talk, I heard electrical and computer engineer Shaolei Ren say: “AI could soon consume billions of litres of water each year – much of it drinking water.”

We all love the convenience of AI. But every prompt, image generation, or voice command uses energy. Here's how to enjoy the perks of AI more mindfully:

Close the tab:
Leaving AI tools open in your browser drains power in the background. Shut it down when you’re done.

Batch your questions:
Instead of sending 10 prompts, plan ahead and ask everything in one go to reduce server load.

Use energy-efficient devices:
Running AI tools on newer, more efficient hardware lowers energy use.

Choose low-carbon AI tools:
Some AI companies are powered by renewable energy or offset their emissions. Look for those making sustainability a priority.