A recent study by researchers from MIT, University of California among others has revealed that surprisingly,  AI systems, including ChatGPT, BLOOM, DALL-E2, and Midjourney, emit lower carbon emissions when performing specific tasks like writing and illustration compared to their human counterparts.

The mind-blowing numbers concluded that an AI, writing a single page of text emitted a mere fraction of the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2) compared to a human. ChatGPT, for instance, released just 2.2 grams of CO2 per query, considering both training and operational costs. In contrast, a human writer from the United States was responsible for approximately 1400 grams of CO2e per page, highlighting the substantial difference.

Humans Vs AI: Illustration 

The study also extended to illustration tasks, where AI systems like DALL-E2 and Midjourney showcased their environmental impact. DALL-E2 produced images with emissions 2500 times lower than a US-based artist and 310 times lower than an India-based artist. Similarly, Midjourney demonstrated emissions 2900 times lower than a US artist and 370 times lower than one from India.

These findings highlighted the potential of AI to contribute to a more sustainable future. However, the analysis acknowledged that AI’s environmental advantages were not universal and did not account for other critical factors, such as professional displacement, legal challenges related to training materials, or rebound effects. It also noted that AI might not be a suitable substitute for all human tasks.

Despite these complexities, the results offered a ray of hope. AI, once viewed as a potential environmental threat, given the fact that it takes tons of energy to train it, emerged as a valuable ally in the battle against climate change, particularly in tasks such as writing and illustration. Collaboration between AI and humans, harnessing their respective strengths, seemed to be the key to achieving a balance between technological progress and environmental awareness.

As the world is stunned with the implications of these findings, society faces a critical choice. Could humanity harness the power of AI to not only enhance creativity but also minimise its ecological footprint? 

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