The Environmental Cost of Generative AI

The democratization of generative artificial intelligence tools, which require highly energy-intensive infrastructures, comes with a significant environmental cost.

• The rising demand for electricity, water, and rare metals essential for powering data centers is driving the environmental impact of digital technology to unsustainable levels.
• This trajectory is particularly concerning in light of global carbon emission reduction targets.

However, AI also offers promising solutions in the fight against climate change, such as:

• More accurate weather forecasts,
• Anticipation of extreme weather events,
• Monitoring of air pollution,
• Energy management of buildings.

But critical questions arise:

• Should we accept an increase in environmental costs to save the planet?
• Is AI a necessary evil for a greater good?
• Or is it merely a decoy in the fight against climate change?

Tribunal for Future Generations

As part of the AI Action Summit, the National Digital Council is organizing a Tribunal for Future Generations in collaboration with:

• The French Ministry in charge of Ecological Transition,
• IGN,
• Arcep,
• ADEME,
• CESE,
• University Paris 1.

This event will address the pressing issue of AI’s environmental impact, bringing together public and private stakeholders for collective reflection. The goal is to ensure the virtuous, egalitarian, and sustainable development of AI technologies.

Themes for Debate

The discussion will cover a broad range of topics, including:

• Resource consumption and environmental impact,
• Climate justice,
• Prioritization of AI use cases,
• Sovereignty,
• Competitiveness.

The Tribunal aims to create the conditions for an inclusive debate, analyzing both the risks and opportunities of AI for the environment.