Introduction to AI Video
AI video is on another level
When we tested the energy demands of various models, we found the energy required to produce even a low-quality, five-second video to be pretty shocking: It was 42,000 times more than the amount needed for a chatbot to answer a question about a recipe, and enough to power a microwave for over an hour. If there’s one type of AI whose energy appetite should worry you, it’s this one.
The Latest Developments in AI Video
Soon after we published, Google debuted the latest iteration of its Veo model. People quickly created compilations of the most impressive clips (this one being the most shocking). Something we point out in the story is that Google (as well as OpenAI, which has its own video generator, Sora) denied our request for specific numbers on the energy their AI models use. Nonetheless, our reporting suggests it’s very likely that high-definition video models like Veo and Sora are much larger, and much more energy-demanding, than the models we tested.
The Future of AI Video and Its Impact
I think the key to whether the use of AI video will produce indefensible clouds of emissions in the near future will be how it’s used, and how it’s priced. The example I linked shows a bunch of TikTok-style content, and I predict that if creating AI video is cheap enough, social video sites will be inundated with this type of content.
Beyond Individual Footprint
There are more important questions than your own individual footprint
We expected that a lot of readers would understandably think about this story in terms of their own individual footprint, wondering whether their AI usage is contributing to the climate crisis. Don’t panic: It’s likely that asking a chatbot for help with a travel plan does not meaningfully increase your carbon footprint. Video generation might. But after reporting on this for months, I think there are more important questions.
Conclusion
The use of AI video is a significant development in the field of artificial intelligence, but it also raises important questions about energy consumption and its impact on the environment. As AI video becomes more prevalent, it’s essential to consider how it’s used and priced to mitigate its potential negative effects. While individual actions are important, it’s also crucial to look at the broader picture and address the systemic issues related to AI energy consumption.
FAQs
Q: How much energy does AI video require?
A: The energy required to produce even a low-quality, five-second video is 42,000 times more than the amount needed for a chatbot to answer a question.
Q: Will my AI usage contribute to the climate crisis?
A: It’s likely that asking a chatbot for help with a task does not meaningfully increase your carbon footprint, but video generation might.
Q: What can be done to reduce the environmental impact of AI video?
A: The key to reducing the environmental impact of AI video will be how it’s used and priced, as well as addressing the systemic issues related to AI energy consumption.
