Mistral’s new “environmental audit” shows how much AI is hurting the planet

The article discusses the environmental impact of AI systems, particularly the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with the proliferation of AI-powered services and applications. According to a report by Mistral, a technology consultancy firm, the cumulative energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions from individual AI prompts can have a significant aggregate effect on the environment. The report highlights that while a single AI prompt may not consume a substantial amount of energy, the sheer volume of these prompts across billions of users and devices can add up to a substantial environmental burden. The article suggests that as AI becomes more ubiquitous in various aspects of our lives, it is crucial to consider the collective impact of these technologies on the planet. The report calls for increased awareness and action to address the environmental implications of AI, including the development of more energy-efficient AI systems and the implementation of sustainable practices in the deployment and use of these technologies.