Chatgpts CO2 footprint is astronomical and not sustainable

Anyone who believes that ordering a commercial flight is the only way to increase CO2 emissions should take a closer look at the monthly production of popular AI-Chatbots like Chatgpt.

Recent data indicates that emissions associated with these tools can raise the eyebrows among those who are interested in reducing our collective environmental footprint.

According to a study of Known hostthe use of Chatgpt produces more than 260,930 kg (573,000 pounds carbon dioxide (CO)₂) every month. That figure is linked to high traffic from its more than 164 million monthly users.

Although it only emits 1.59 grams of co₂ per. Side view is outweighed by increasing popularity.

The study also points out that Chatgpt’s CO2 impact corresponds to 260 flights from New York City to London in the same timeframe, giving a sharp reminder that digital services leave a mark on the environment.

Chatgpt is not the only carbon addict

Other AI platforms show less overall monthly co₂But they emit more per. Individual page view. RYTRS OUTPUT stands at 10.1 grams (0.35 ounces) Co₂ per side view, while Spellbook comes in 6.5 grams (0.23 ounces) per day. Side view.

Although their total consumption is smaller, carbon costs per interaction higher than chatgpt’s. Some may want to see chatgpts lower price per day. Side view as a bright spot, but its heavy traffic means that emissions are still rising significantly.

Data centers use massive energy

Data Centers host these AI tools and according to 2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage Report From Berkeley Lab, they consumed more than twice as much energy in 2023 than they did in 2017.

“Electricity consumption in US data centers is currently growing at an accelerating speed,” the authors of the report said. These huge facilities keep the servers cool and operational around the clock, leading to constant energy consumption.

The International Energy Agency’s Electricity 2024 report Notes that newer technologies – such as advanced artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency – can double energy consumption for next year. One -third of this increase is expected to be traced back to data centers.

This trend reveals how widespread digital services can become major contributors to global energy consumption.

“When innovation continues into 2025, the balancing of environmental sustainability must become a core focus for both technology companies and the users of their tools,” said Daniel Pearson, CEO of Knownhost. The statement points to a need for shared responsibility.

Developers can change against greener solutions and users can choose options that reduce power consumption.

Governments pressing on for greener artificial intelligence

The Biden administration has responded with an order that deals with the future of artificial intelligence and data centers. It calls for the transition to cleaner power as one -third of the world’s data centers are in the United States.

The advertising coincides with the news of Stargate AI projectA $ 500 billion data center initiative led by Openai in partnership with Oracle and Softbank, as President Trump described as “a resounding statement of trust in America’s potential.”

However, the project has triggered a feud between Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, and Openai CEO Sam Altman about the transparency and feasibility of the investment.

Reduction of AI carbon emissions

Some AI tools are already pushing down their energy loading by optimizing code and trimming unnecessary processes. Meanwhile, data centers are exploring better cooling methods, such as fluid cooling and more efficient air flow design, to reduce the total energy consumption.

Renewable energy such as solar or wind power also helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Technology companies that concentrate on reducing emissions in hardware and software can find themselves in a competitive advantage, especially as the public’s attention is changing to climate impact.

AI applications have come to stay and so is the energy they use. While Chatgpt’s popularity puts it in the spotlight, other AI tools also contribute to increasing energy needs.

Finding a balance between progress and sustainability will require a combined effort from developers, policy makers and everyday users. Improving efficiency not only benefits the planet, but also ensures that these digital services remain reliable.

The study is published by Known host.

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