Infrastructure & Compute
AI carbon footprint
The climate-warming gases released through making and running AI, including the electricity it uses.
Example
An assessment includes emissions from training an AI system and powering its servers.
Why people use it
It helps compare the climate impact of developing and using AI.
What you'll hear
“What emissions are included in that estimate?”
What this means for you
Compare estimates only when their included activities and assumptions match.
Can you control it?
No
No direct control. This describes a wider issue, concept or result rather than something you can simply switch on or off in a tool.
Common questions
- Can two systems using the same electricity have different footprints?
- Yes. The way that electricity is produced can change the amount of climate-warming gases released.
- Can two locations have different footprints for the same task?
- Yes. Electricity sources and local equipment can change the emissions associated with doing similar work.
- Do estimates include making the computers?
- Some do and some do not. That difference can make otherwise similar figures hard to compare.