MIT Report Sounds Alarm on AI's Energy Consumption
MIT Report Sounds Alarm on AI's Energy Consumption
MIT Technology Review issued an eBook, "The Math on AI’s Energy Footprint," on October 29, 2025, providing an in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) energy consumption and raising awareness about the growing energy demands of rapidly advancing AI technologies. The report presents specific data and analysis on the environmental impact of AI, underscoring the importance of sustainable AI development. The subscriber-only report is expected to be a valuable resource for experts and researchers seeking deeper insights.
The report details the massive amounts of energy required to train and operate AI models, warning of the potential impacts this energy consumption has on global warming and climate change. It highlights that energy consumption is increasing exponentially as AI technology is adopted across various sectors, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions. The report also suggests several ways to improve the energy efficiency of AI technologies, stressing the need for collaborative efforts from technology developers, policymakers, and the general public. These include designing AI models with energy efficiency in mind from the outset and building data centers that utilize environmentally friendly energy sources.
The release of this report coincides with recent government initiatives, drawing increased attention. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is recruiting companies to participate in the 'Digital-Based Automation MRV Solution Distribution Project' from June 19 to July 24, 2025, supporting businesses in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This initiative is expected to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by leveraging AI technology. Furthermore, the '2nd Government Joint Briefing on EU CBAM Response in 2025' was held at the KBIZ Hall of the Korea Federation of SMEs on June 18, 2025, to help domestic companies understand and address the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). These governmental efforts align with the concerns raised in the MIT Technology Review report, contributing to an environment that fosters sustainable growth for domestic businesses.
Meanwhile, experts in the AI field are making various efforts to address the energy consumption issue. Daniel Yoo conducted an interview with Gene Berdichevsky on June 10, 2025, delving deeper into the sustainability of AI technology. Gene Berdichevsky, as a speaker at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, emphasized the ethical responsibilities and environmental impacts of AI technology, urging international cooperation for sustainable AI development. Their efforts suggest that AI technology should evolve in a direction that not only positively impacts human lives but also fulfills its environmental responsibilities. Ultimately, the advancement of AI technology must move beyond mere technological innovation and consider the sustainability of society as a whole.
