Environmental Impact of AI and Energy Consumption

As Apple announce the integration of generative AI across their platforms Aleks and Kevin ask do we actually know how much energy AI consumes and is it compatible with a push to net zero?

Energy consumption is AI's dirty little secret, some industry insiders believe the true potential of these technologies won't be realised until the problem is solved. Aleks and Kevin uncover some fairly startling numbers; a search done through an AI like ChatGPT can use up to 40 times more energy than using a traditional search engine, while a single hi-res image created by an AI could use the equivalent of half a smart phone charge. But because that happens on a server, perhaps in another country users remain ignorant of the potential impact their casual use might have on the push to net zero.

Presenters: Aleks Krotoski and Kevin Fong Producer: Peter McManus Mixed by Niall Young