What in the World - Does using AI impact the environment?

Download Does using AI impact the environment?

When you think of AI, you might think of funny generated pictures, help with your homework and dating advice. But, do you think of the effect using it might be having on the environment?

AI firms usually have huge data centres, which power the technology. And with that great usage, comes great amounts of energy zapped up by AI companies.

There’s long been a rumour that every ChatGPT query you make uses one pint of water. So is there any truth to the claim? And is it damaging the world around us? We speak to tech reporter Laura Cress, who explains the environmental impacts of the technology.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Imogen James, Benita Barden and Mora Morrison
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Tuesday, 6th January 2026.

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