> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://library.xrguild.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://library.xrguild.org/ai-ethics/ai-is-an-energy-hog.-this-is-what-it-means-for-climate-change..md). # AI is an energy hog. This is what it means for climate change. ## Overview **Authors:** Casey Crownhart **Publication Date:** 23 May 2024 **Link:** **Keywords:** AI energy consumption, climate change, carbon emissions, sustainability, large AI models, green AI, environmental impact **Type:** News ## Summary AI systems, particularly large models, require immense computational power, making them significant energy consumers. This high energy demand contributes to increased carbon emissions, excessive freshwater usage, and strain on electricity grids, raising concerns about AI's environmental impact. As the AI industry grows, balancing innovation with sustainability becomes a critical challenge to mitigate climate change. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://library.xrguild.org/ai-ethics/ai-is-an-energy-hog.-this-is-what-it-means-for-climate-change..md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.