In the fast-paced world of technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational platforms promises a revolution. However, Rita Bateson, Director of Education at Eblana Learning, urges a thoughtful approach. At the RM Summit: AI in Action last month, Rita highlighted the often-overlooked sustainability costs of AI, advocating for a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.
Ireland serves as a cautionary tale for AI enthusiasts. In 2023, its data centres consumed 21% of the nation's electricity, straining the energy grid and challenging climate goals. As tech giants like Google and Microsoft seek private power lines to meet growing demands, the need for sustainable practices becomes urgent.
Generative AI's energy consumption extends beyond powering servers. Data centres require substantial cooling, and a single query can use up to 500 ml of water. This is especially concerning in arid regions like Saudi Arabia, which plans to invest $40 billion in AI by 2030. Here, water scarcity and energy demands pose significant challenges.
Throughout Rita's keynote, she drew on relatable comparisons to provide context; while a single AI query's water consumption seems small, collectively, AI's environmental footprint is significant. Rita explained that the water used to generate 300 ChatGPT text queries equals 1 gallon, compared to the production of 1 hamburger, which can use up to 660 gallons.
Training models like OpenAI's GPT-4 cost over $100 million and consumed energy equivalent to powering San Francisco for three days. By 2028, AI-specific power consumption could rival that of US households, with emissions akin to driving 300 billion miles.
As AI becomes integral to education, Rita emphasises the need for sustainable practices. Schools must consider the resources consumed by AI tools like ChatGPT. The dependence on AI is growing, with universities embracing models like ChatGPT Edu, providing advanced features and fostering reliance on technology for educational resources.
Countries like China and the US are prioritising AI in education and national security. The EU AI Act introduces comprehensive regulations, overlapping with GDPR on data privacy. Rita warns of potential privacy risks, urging a balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations.
Rita advocates for conscious consumption in AI usage. Educators and students should reflect on their reliance on AI, ensuring it aligns with educational goals. Simple changes, like minimising unnecessary energy use and choosing efficient digital interactions, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Rita's insights call for a re-evaluation of AI's role in education. By prioritising sustainability and ethics, educational institutions can lead the way in responsible AI usage. As pioneers, they have the opportunity to model best practices, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for meaningful and conscious learning.
Watch Rita's presentation at our RM Summit 2025 | AI in Action for more details.