A growing number of young Australians are moving away from popular generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, primarily due to concerns about the environmental impact associated with these technologies. As awareness of climate issues rises, many in the 16-25 age group feel an acute sense of eco-anxiety, with over 75% expressing worries about climate change’s effects on their mental health.
Research indicates that a single query on ChatGPT uses nearly ten times the energy of a typical Google search and processing 20 to 50 queries requires about half a litre of water. According to Dr Ascelin Gordon from RMIT University, the cumulative effect of individual queries leads to significant energy consumption, highlighting the broader environmental implications of generative AI. In fact, data centres, which power these AI models, consumed about 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2022—more than the entire energy usage of Australia for that year—and are projected to rise between 600 to 1,000 TWh by 2026.
Experts, including Dr Chloe Watfern from the Black Dog Institute, note that the pressure of living in a time marked by severe environmental crises has forced many young people to reconsider their choices, sometimes opting out of the AI landscape altogether. Despite the potential benefits of AI in advancing climate science, its resource-intensive nature poses an undeniable threat.
Many young Australians advocate for accountability from governments and large corporations, reflecting a strong desire for meaningful action on climate change. While youth activism is heightened, it has also led to feelings of burnout as progress toward sustainability appears sluggish.
Watfern and other mental health professionals argue for accurate climate education and a recognition that it’s the harsh realities of climate change, rather than the education itself, causing distress among youth. A recent open letter signed by over 100 experts emphasises the disheartening impact of inaction by those in power and the immediate need for sustainable solutions.
The call for heightened awareness surrounding the environmental footprint of AI is echoed by advocates wishing to see companies adopt transparency in their sustainability measures. Both Gordon and Watfern believe that informed consumer choices regarding technology usage can collectively contribute toward a greener future. As younger generations grapple with their concerns and resist the growing influence of AI, they highlight the need for sustained, comprehensive actions from leaders to ensure a viable planet for future inhabitants.