Lab Notes: Can we tap the brakes on energy-hungry AI? episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 5, 2026 · 12 MIN

Lab Notes: Can we tap the brakes on energy-hungry AI?

from The Science Show - Separate stories podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

AI seems to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. While we're still waiting for the productivity revolution — or the jobs apocalypse — the energy costs of AI are already staggering.So how should we think about those environmental impacts of AI? And what can we learn from previous turns of the great technological wheel?You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: [email protected]: Dr Niraj Lal, renewables expert at the Australian National University Extra information: Data centres are vital for the future and AI but their environmental footprint can be a problemThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

AI seems to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. While we're still waiting for the productivity revolution — or the jobs apocalypse — the energy costs of AI are already staggering. So how should we think about those environmental impacts of AI? And what can we learn from previous turns of the great technological wheel? You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: [email protected] Featuring:  Dr Niraj Lal, renewables expert at the Australian National University  Extra information:  Data centres are vital for the future and AI but their environmental footprint can be a problem This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

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Lab Notes: Can we tap the brakes on energy-hungry AI?

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AI seems to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. While we're still waiting for the productivity revolution — or the jobs apocalypse — the energy costs of AI are already staggering.So how should we think about those environmental impacts of AI?...

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