AI's Hidden Environmental Cost

Understanding the Energy Behind Digital Intelligence Grade 9 Technology & Environmental Science

What Happens When You Ask AI a Question?

Think about your last interaction with ChatGPT, Siri, or Google Assistant Where do you think the 'thinking' actually happens? What might be required to power that response?

The Infrastructure Behind AI

Massive data centers process billions of AI queries daily Each center contains thousands of high-powered servers Requires constant cooling and electrical power Training AI models can take weeks of continuous computing Every question you ask travels hundreds of miles to be processed

Energy Consumption Comparison

Raleigh, NC: A Growing Tech Hub

Home to major data centers from Google, Apple, and Meta Research Triangle Park attracts tech companies Local debates about power grid capacity Environmental concerns about water usage for cooling Political discussions about tax incentives vs. environmental costs

Ranking Challenge: How Much Did That Cost?

Work in groups of 3 students Rank these activities from LEAST to MOST environmental impact: • Send one AI chat query • Stream 30 minutes of Netflix • Perform one Google search • Generate one AI image • Scroll TikTok for 10 minutes • Send an email with attachment Be ready to explain your reasoning!

The Hidden Costs of AI

{"left":"Training a large AI model produces as much CO2 as 5 cars over their entire lifetimes\nData centers use 1% of global electricity\nAI queries require complex calculations across multiple servers\nCooling systems run 24/7 to prevent overheating","right":"Each AI response travels through hundreds of miles of cables\nLocal power grids must expand to support new data centers\nWater usage for cooling can strain local resources\nPolitical debates about sustainability vs. economic growth"}

Becoming Informed Digital Citizens

"Understanding the true cost of our digital choices empowers us to use technology more responsibly while still enjoying its benefits."