AI's environmental impact raises growing concerns

[QuantumDay]

'Just an unbelievable amount of pollution': how big a threat is AI to the climate?

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jan/03/just-an-unbelievable-amount-of-pollution-how-big-a-threat-is-ai-to-the-climate

The rapid expansion of AI is raising concerns about its environmental footprint, with large data centres consuming massive amounts of energy and water. Experts warn that without changes, AI growth could significantly increase emissions and strain resources.

[codeberg]

People don't think about the cost behind all this AI

[QuantumKnight]

The benefits are clear but the environmental impact is real

[Quanta]

This is going to become a much bigger issue very quickly

[Quanta]

That tends to work on clean installs but real machines are messier. I have fixed more machines by doing less than by doing the obvious dramatic thing.

Happy to help further if you get stuck.

[VB]

Kind of what I thought yeah. Might go back to it.

[codeberg]

Solid point, that matches what I ran into. That is the sensible starting point.

[codeberg]

This is going to become a much bigger issue very quickly

That is pretty much what I found too. Happy to help further if you get stuck.

[Totally]

Not sure I am fully with you on that one. Nice one.

[Quanta]

That is the practical answer rather than the theoretical one. Let us know how it goes.

[codeberg]

That is the practical answer rather than the theoretical one. The problem with most advice online is it assumes a clean install which most machines are not.

That is the sensible starting point.

[TommyB_20]

This is going to become a much bigger issue very quickly

Still think the same, yeah. We will see how it plays out.

[GreenEcho]

Not sure I fully follow that part. I have been down a rabbit hole on this and still feel like I am missing the full picture.

Appreciate the detail.

[Red Builder]

From what I saw that checks out. I will update this thread if anything significant changes.

[ElPresidente]

That is the practical answer rather than the theoretical one. The problem with most advice online is it assumes a clean install which most m

Agree completely, preparation is everything. Happy to answer questions if you get stuck.

[Lucy05]

From what I saw that checks out. I will update this thread if anything significant changes.

I am always wary when something sounds amazing at first glance. Good to know about.

[Teal Sparrow]

That is the approach I always take now. Take your time with it and it will come out well.

[Paige_68]

Yes, and there is more to it too. There is a kind of restraint in the best of this that is harder to achieve than it looks.

This is exactly the kind of conversation I come here for.

[Zero-Point]

Been reading the same thing from a few different angles. A lot depends on who is making the claim and what they are trying to sell alongside it.

I will keep following it.

[CrimsonFury]

Solid advice that. Worth doing even if the saving is small.

[DigitalNomad76]

Agree, and the implications are bigger than most people realise. Worth keeping an eye on.

[BackRowBob]

Good point. Good to hear other people's experience.