People are growing increasingly worried about the various threats that Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses, which range from imminent concerns about automated technology displacing jobs to more existential fears, such as the prospect of AI taking over the world entirely. However, those who are concerned about AI often overlook the degree to which AI has already infiltrated the daily routines of many people, especially those of students.
In fact, a recent report from OpenAI, a leading AI research and development company, revealed that more than a third of college-aged individuals utilize ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot that OpenAI launched in 2022. In fact, ChatGPT currently has 400 million weekly users worldwide, with 67.7 million in the United States (US) alone. The purposes for which these consumers utilize ChatGPT vary widely; from brainstorming ideas and writing essay drafts to crafting emails, the possibilities are ultimately endless with ChatGPT.
The software itself is unassuming enough. Users are confronted with a blank white screen and a simple question that asks: “What can I help with?” Below this question lies a text box that compels consumers to “Ask anything.” It even includes an option to upload documents, depending on what version of ChatGPT one might be willing to pay for. Within seconds of typing a query into the software system, an expansive answer – organized by subtitles and bullet points – unfolds before one’s eyes. But ChatGPT’s minimalistic design and carefully crafted responses conceal a scarier reality: each question asked to ChatGPT emits approximately 4.32 grams of carbon dioxide.
Multiplying this value by the number of users and the quantity of questions a user asks during each use reveals a frightening figure. Recent research that explores the environmental impacts of ChatGPT suggests that the software emits 8.4 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Moreover, the software requires immense amounts of water to regulate the machinery that runs ChatGPT. As the hardware underpinning ChatGPT’s model converts energy into heat, water is used to cool down the system. While training AI software algorithms, companies like Microsoft use approximately 700,000 litres of freshwater. In other words, an average conversation with ChatGPT consumes 500ml of water, and when one extends this figure to the 400 million weekly ChatGPT users worldwide, it becomes clear that the AI platform uses more than 200 million liters of water on a weekly basis.
So, what on earth can we do to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with such systems?
Barring users from accessing ChatGPT is unlikely to produce positive results. This is because the public’s proficiency with AI software systems like ChatGPT is increasing, and using these systems effectively is becoming an academic and professional skill that is necessary to succeed in today’s increasingly competitive workplace – especially considering some employers are actively searching for candidates with such experience. Moreover, OpenAI claims that ChatGPT boosts productivity in the workplace. As researchers produce more studies exploring the effects that ChatGPT has on performance in academic and professional settings, one thing is for certain: ChatGPT is here to stay.
At present, it appears that there is no clear solution or path forward. OpenAI’s leadership team is aware of the environmental harm that ChatGPT can cause, and has said that they understand their obligation to address the carbon dioxide this product emits in order to mitigate climate change. The company’s leaders have also stated that they are actively looking for more efficient and sustainable ways to manage ChatGPT’s software. As AI continues to evolve and integrate itself more deeply into our lives, the tech industry must provide more transparency, accountability, and commitment to environmental stewardship in order to ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of the environment. We cannot rely on empty promises about eco-friendly practices; we need to see commitment. Perhaps it's time for “OpenAI” to be as open as their name suggests.