AI’s environmental impact is a growing concern, but how much energy does it really use? In this episode, we break down common claims about AI’s carbon footprint, explore how it compares to other technologies, and discuss how church leaders can make informed decisions about its use.

Topics covered:

• Common claims about AI’s environmental impact.
• Breaking down AI’s electricity and water usage.
• Comparisons between AI, streaming services, and other digital technologies.
• The difference between AI training and inference.
• How AI efficiency is improving over time.

Homework:

• Research the environmental impact of various AI models.
• If you have a ChatGPT subscription, experiment with different models to see how their efficiency varies.
• Learn which models are best suited for your needs while minimizing energy consumption.

Resources:

• “Using ChatGPT is not bad for the environment,” Andy Masley, Jan. 13, 2025
• AI Church Toolkit website

Made possible by the TryTank Research Institute.