You are adding to carbon emissions with each question you ask AI
letters@scmp.com or filling in
this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the global adoption of generative AI has surged, with daily active users reaching an estimated 115 million to 180 million this year.
AI tools are now integral to day-to-day tasks like research and content creation. To support this demand, tech giants like Apple and Google have invested heavily in data centres, with Meta and Microsoft even exploring
nuclear power options to meet AI's massive energy needs.
This raises concerns about the
environmental impact of artificial intelligence , particularly its contribution to carbon emissions. In the United States, around 3,000 data centres consumed about 200 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024 – comparable to Thailand's annual usage. At least a quarter of that is estimated to have been used by AI-specific servers in those centres.
By 2028, AI-specific electricity consumption is projected to rise to between 165 and 326 terawatt-hours yearly. Ironically, even asking AI how you can reduce your carbon footprint will add to emissions.
While Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 acknowledges the issue and the government has proposed expanding the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance to include high-consumption buildings like data centres, progress has been slow.
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