AI Potential
The other day, I found myself asking a simple but important question: Can artificial intelligence help solve environmental problems? Without hesitation, I typed the question into ChatGPT—an action that once would have sounded like something from science fiction but now feels entirely routine. From using Google Maps to avoid traffic jams to relying on virtual assistants to manage our schedules, AI has quietly become a powerful part of our daily lives. It helps us make smarter decisions, communicate more efficiently, and even write school essays. Yet, the more I reflected on this question, the more I realized that the convenience AI offers may come at an environmental cost that many people overlook.
Few realize that every time we use AI, there is an invisible environmental impact. According to Teen Vogue, generating just 100 words with ChatGPT can use as much water as powering fourteen LED bulbs for an hour (Mcmenamin) . Even more striking, a single AI query may consume up to ten times more energy than a traditional Google search. While these numbers may seem small individually, they add up quickly in a world where AI is used by millions every day. As it turns out, the infrastructure supporting AI—including large-scale data centers—requires enormous amounts of electricity and water. The same technology that promises to help us build a smarter world could be quietly making our environmental challenges worse.
Understanding the scale of AI’s presence in our lives is essential. According to data from Statista, over 80 percent of smartphone users interact with AI-powered apps on a daily basis. This includes not just virtual assistants but also AI-based features in social media, search engines, navigation apps, and more. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency warns that global electricity usage by data centers—driven largely by AI applications—could grow tenfold by 2026 compared to 2023 (Sweeney). These statistics show that AI is not merely a digital tool but a powerful force with real-world energy and environmental consequences. As young people living in a time of urgent climate challenges, we must carefully examine both the risks and the opportunities AI presents.
Despite its growing environmental footprint, AI does offer tremendous potential to support sustainability efforts if used responsibly. One of the most promising areas is environmental monitoring and disaster prediction. Climate-related disasters such as wildfires, floods, and droughts are increasing due to global warming, and traditional monitoring systems often fail to predict or respond in time. AI, however, excels at analyzing massive amounts of data and recognizing patterns. For example, Google’s AI for Earth initiative has shown how machine learning can help African farmers anticipate droughts by predicting rainfall patterns more accurately. Similarly, researchers at MIT have developed AI models capable of analyzing soil moisture, ocean temperatures, and historical weather patterns to forecast wildfires and floods (Geman). These systems can provide early warnings that save lives, reduce property damage, and allow communities to better prepare for environmental threats.
Beyond disaster prevention, AI plays a critical role in transitioning the world toward cleaner energy. One of the biggest challenges humanity faces is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and shifting to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. AI can support this transition by making energy production and distribution more efficient. For instance, predictive maintenance tools powered by AI can forecast when turbines, solar panels, or batteries are likely to fail, allowing repairs to be made before breakdowns occur. This reduces energy waste and prevents costly interruptions in renewable energy systems. Studies by researchers from institutions like Stanford University and SSRN have shown that AI can use real-time sensor data to adjust how energy is consumed and stored, improving the reliability of green power grids (Sapre).
AI is also revolutionizing how we think about transportation, which remains one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. Self-driving vehicles, such as those developed by companies like Waymo, use AI to calculate the most efficient routes and avoid traffic congestion, thereby reducing fuel consumption. AI-based traffic management systems can help ease urban congestion by predicting and managing the flow of vehicles in real time. In some cities, public transportation systems are being optimized with AI to reduce energy use and improve rider experience. These improvements may seem small on their own, but taken together, they represent meaningful steps toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
However, none of these benefits come without trade-offs. The very systems that make AI work—particularly the data centers—are themselves energy-intensive and environmentally costly. Recent findings from researchers at MIT show that AI workloads are contributing significantly to rising carbon emissions. Training large AI models requires enormous computational power, which in turn consumes substantial electricity. Data centers also need powerful cooling systems, most of which rely on vast quantities of freshwater to keep servers from overheating. A study from Cornell University estimates that by 2027, AI-related water withdrawals could reach between 4.2 and 6.6 billion gallons annually—more than the yearly water usage of Denmark (Li, Yang, et al). This highlights a critical contradiction: while AI can help us solve environmental problems, it may also be creating new ones in the process.
So, what should we do about this paradox? As members of the younger generation, we are both the inheritors of the planet’s problems and the architects of its future. We cannot afford to ignore the hidden costs of AI, nor should we abandon its potential. The answer lies in balance and responsibility. Developers must be encouraged to design more energy-efficient algorithms and prioritize sustainability in AI architecture. Governments and policymakers should introduce environmental standards for data centers and fund research into low-energy AI models. At the same time, students like me need to be educated about the environmental consequences of our digital habits. We should ask questions about how our technology is built and make conscious choices about how we use it.
We must also support the growth of “green AI,” a movement focused on developing artificial intelligence that minimizes energy use, reduces emissions, and protects water resources. Researchers are already working on AI models that require fewer computational resources without sacrificing performance. By advocating for these innovations, we can ensure that AI continues to serve humanity without placing additional strain on the environment. Furthermore, transparency from technology companies is essential. Users deserve to know the environmental footprint of the platforms they interact with every day. Informed citizens are empowered citizens, and as youth, our voices can drive the shift toward responsible technology.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool of the future—it is a defining force of the present. It holds the power to transform our response to environmental challenges, improve our energy systems, and create a smarter, more sustainable world. But without careful planning and mindful use, AI also threatens to accelerate the very crises it aims to solve. As a young person growing up in a world shaped by climate change and rapid technological advancement, I believe we must act with intention. AI can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. The choice is ours. Let’s make sure we choose wisely—for our planet, our communities, and the generations yet to come.
By: Michael Kim
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