Should people be aware of the environmental impact of AI?

11665

5-11 votes

35239

11-16+ votes

46904

Total votes

To mark World Environment Day, which took place on 5th June, we asked young people to consider the environmental impact of our increasing use of AI. It has been estimated that prompting an AI tool can use 20 to 60 times more energy than performing a basic search engine query. With reported use of tools such as ChatGPT greater than ever, do we need to push for better awareness of the environmental consequences of using AI?

Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Should people be aware of the environmental impact of AI use?”, while Primary 7-11 voters discussed: "“Should we learn more about the impact AI has on the environment?”, and Primary 5-7 voters considered: “Do you know how much electricity computers use?”

46,904 young people in the UK have taken part in this vote.

Age 5-11 voter

I voted yes because I never knew AI could have an impact on the environment [...] maybe there could be a safer way of using AI so there is no impact on the environment.

Age 11-16+ voter

We should be aware of how our individual use of AI impacts the planet so that we can limit our use of it. If I knew before what I know now, I wouldn't have used it for silly and pointless things!

Age 11-16 voter

We can't escape AI - it's inevitable and the water usage doesn't matter, that's what the water cycle is for!

72% of 7-11-year olds said we should learn more about the impact AI has on the environment.

5-7-year olds discussed the question, "Do you know how much electricity computers use?" and 77% said 'Yes'
Meanwhile, 7-11-year olds discussed the question, “Should we learn more about the impact AI has on the environment?”
The majority of 7-11-year olds, at 72%, said 'Yes'

68% of Secondary students thought people should be aware of the environmental impact of AI use.

Secondary, College and 16+ students discussed the question, "Should people be aware of the environmental impact of AI use?"
68% of Secondary students and 78% of College & 16+ students voted 'Yes'.

Many argued awareness could stop people from using AI recreationally.

Most young people thought awareness was important, as it could help them make informed choices about when to use AI.
Secondary students had the highest number of 'No' votes; some felt that AI’s role in technological progress was too important to ignore, and its benefits outweighed the environmental costs.