The Environmental Impact of AI and How We Can Make a Difference

June 25, 2024

by: Myriam Scally

Hello, Everybody Solar Community!

As we continue our mission to bring solar energy to nonprofits across the United States, it’s crucial to stay informed about the broader environmental impacts of emerging technologies. Today, we want to explore the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence (AI) and how we can all take action to mitigate its effects.

AI’s Environmental Impact

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, from personalized recommendations to advanced data analysis. However, this technological marvel comes with a significant environmental cost. Training large AI models, like those used in advanced search engines and chatbots, consumes vast amounts of energy. For instance, training a model like GPT-3 can produce around 626,000 pounds of CO2, equivalent to approximately 300 round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco .

Data centers, which power these AI models, also contribute significantly to energy and water consumption. These centers account for nearly 1% of the world’s energy use, and this figure is expected to rise as AI adoption increases . Moreover, the cooling systems in these centers consume billions of gallons of water annually, competing with local water supplies .

Key Messages

AI’s Dual Role: While AI’s energy consumption is high, it also holds the potential to enhance energy efficiency in various sectors, including smart home systems and transportation .
Transparency and Accountability: There is a growing call for transparency in how AI models are trained and deployed. Companies must prioritize sustainable practices and disclose their environmental impacts .
Collaborative Efforts: Tackling AI’s environmental footprint requires collaboration between the tech industry, policymakers, and environmental organizations to promote energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy use .

Call to Action

As we strive to bring clean, renewable energy to nonprofits, we encourage our community to reflect on their own energy use and take steps to reduce their environmental impact. Here are a few actions you can take:

Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to Everybody Solar. Your contributions help us install more solar panels and reduce carbon footprints. By offsetting your personal energy use, you directly contribute to a greener future.
Reduce Energy Use: Implement small changes in your daily life to reduce energy consumption. For example, if everyone reduced their electricity use by turning off non-essential devices for just one day a week, we could collectively make a significant impact.
Promote Energy Efficiency: For our nonprofit partners, consider a holistic approach to building energy efficiency. In addition to installing solar panels, upgrading insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and optimizing heating and cooling systems can greatly reduce overall energy consumption.

Our Impact So Far

Since our inception, Everybody Solar has generated over 2.4 million kWh of electricity through our partner nonprofits. In 2023 alone, we installed over 100 kW of solar at five nonprofit sites. These achievements are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our partners. With your continued support, we can further increase our impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite you to be a part of this journey. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your involvement is crucial. Together, we can harness the power of the sun to create a brighter, cleaner future for all.

Thank you for being a part of the Everybody Solar community. Let’s continue to make a difference, one solar panel at a time!