Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has shared an interesting fact: asking one question on ChatGPT uses about the same amount of energy as keeping an LED bulb on for two minutes. This small example gives us a glimpse into how much energy artificial intelligence (AI) really needs.
As AI tools like ChatGPT become more common around the world, the energy they consume is becoming a serious concern. Millions of people are using AI every day for everything from writing and research to coding and customer support. Each of these queries, though quick and convenient, adds to the total energy being used.
Experts say that while AI helps people save time and do tasks faster, we also need to think about its impact on the environment. As more companies and users turn to AI, developers and tech companies must find ways to make their systems more energy-efficient.
This could mean using cleaner sources of power, building more efficient data centers, or improving the technology so it uses less energy per query. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of AI without slowing down progress or reducing the quality of the tools.
Altman’s example is a reminder that even digital tools leave a mark on the environment. As AI continues to grow, balancing innovation with sustainability is becoming more important. In the long run, smarter and greener AI can benefit not just users, but the planet too.
