Artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate environmental solutions, but the data centers that power it come with a cost. They may not be able to breathe clean air, but they do drink clean water and eat enough electricity to power entire cities. This doesn’t mean holding back innovation. It means advancing technology in ways that protect our world and support practices that move us toward a healthier, more resilient future, especially when AI can directly support environmental progress.
Take, for example, CCR senior scientist Feng He who uses AI for literature reviews, debugging code, resolving software setup technical issues, and enhancing the quality of figures. Or associate professor Paul Stoy and his postdoc student Sadegh Ranjbar who used a machine learning model trained on data from over 100 diverse ecosystems to generate detailed, near-real-time monitoring of carbon fluxes. The rise of artificial intelligence is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be unsustainable. Here are four tips to make your AI use a bit more eco-friendly.
Be concise with your prompts.
No need to be long-winded with AI. Efficiency is key — just like this first tip.
Choose greener AI providers.
Look for companies that power their “J.A.R.V.I.S.” with renewable energy and use advanced, energy-efficient chips. Lightweight AI models also help reduce the energy required to generate results. With new systems emerging every day, it’s crucial to prioritize models designed with our planet’s wellbeing in mind.
Reduce unnecessary AI use.
Remember, your brain is the original artificial intelligence! Avoid using AI for tasks that can easily be solved through a simple web search or just a bit extra noodling in your noggin. And try not to use AI for recreational use. It may be fun to see what your friends look like as cats, but is it worth three ounces of clean water? Carol Barford, associate scientist and SAGE director, agrees. “I get AI help with coding, but I write down (with pen and paper!) frequently used commands in order to avoid repeated queries.”
Educate and influence.
Spread the word! Encourage your friends and family to be mindful with their AI use. Individual actions lead to collective movements and real-world impacts. While there may be no way to completely mitigate the environmental effects of artificial intelligence. We can adopt practices that reduce harm. Barford says it best, “Right now, the best we can do is to use AI thoughtfully or minimally.”
