Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly and consequently, AI's carbon footprint is also expanding.
 

A long chat with ChatGPT, for example, requires approximately a half of a liter of water, used primarily to cool the server facilities that AI needs (see Li, Yang, Islam, & Ren, 2023).

And the resulting energy demand? According to a frequently cited projection, AI will soon globally consume up to 134 terawatt hours of electricity per year, comparable to some countries' entire energy consumption (see De Vries, 2023).

Despite the fact that many of us use AI regularly, many are unaware about AI's carbon footprint and its negative impact on the environment. We aim to draw attention to the issue and support a responsible, well-informed approach to AI.

"Hi, AI (134 TWh)" is a part of the LIT Robopsychology Lab's "Songs About AI" project at the Johannes Kepler University Linz.

"Hi, AI (134 TWh)" was premiered live on stage by Yasmo and Flip at the Prix Ars Electronica Award Ceremony in September 2024. The music video, sound file and lyrics (in the original German and in English translation) are freely available. The song is intended to be distributed and used to draw attention to the energy consumption of AI systems. A topic that is currently still in the background in the discussion about artificial intelligence, but which can have a major impact on the environment and climate change.