AI: Is It Ruining the Environment?

The internet is abuzz with accusations that artificial intelligence is using up tons of energy and water. People are even protesting the building of new AI data centers, saying they’ll put a huge strain on local resources. But some AI defenders say that this fear is overblown and that AI isn’t actually that bad for the environment. So who’s right? We talk to science and tech reporters Casey Crownhart and James O’Donnell, and computer scientist Prof. Shaolei Ren. UPDATE, 11/13/25: This episode has been updated to note that some AI companies advertise on the show. Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsAIEnvironment Read James and Casey's article here: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/05/20/1116327/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech/ Check out the Mythbusters GPU/CPU demonstration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmW6SD-EHVY In this episode, we cover: (0:00) Chapter One: No More AI For Dank Memes?! (3:34) Chapter Two: How Much Energy Does Your AI Query Use? (15:37) Chapter Three: How Much Energy Does AI Use Total? (21:18) Chapter Four: Is AI Drinking All Our Water? (29:29) Chapter Five: Should You Quit Using AI? This episode was produced by Rose Rimler and Blythe Terrell, with help from Meryl Horn and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Emma Munger, So Wylie, Peter Leonard, Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. Thanks to all the researchers we reached out to, including Prof. Melissa Scanlan, and special thanks to Andrew Pouliot and Jesse Rimler. Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for new episode notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices