Does using AI impact the environment? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 6, 2026 · 8 MIN

Does using AI impact the environment?

from What in the World · host BBC World Service

When you think of AI, you might think of funny generated pictures, help with your homework and dating advice. But, do you think of the effect using it might be having on the environment? AI firms usually have huge data centres, which power the technology. And with that great usage, comes great amounts of energy zapped up by AI companies. There’s long been a rumour that every ChatGPT query you make uses one pint of water. So is there any truth to the claim? And is it damaging the world around us? We speak to tech reporter Laura Cress, who explains the environmental impacts of the technology. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Imogen James, Benita Barden and Mora Morrison Editor: Verity Wilde

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 6, 2026

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Does using AI impact the environment?

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