Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transitioned from laboratories to everyday life, with tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot facilitating billions of interactions daily. However, each interaction incurs a tangible environmental cost in terms of electricity, water, and carbon emissions. For instance, a single ChatGPT prompt consumes approximately 0.34 watt-hours of energy and 0.322 mL of water. As AI adoption accelerates—reportedly 2.5 billion daily prompts—these seemingly insignificant numbers become substantial, potentially exceeding the annual consumption of entire nations. The International Energy Agency projects that global data center electricity consumption will soar to 945 TWh by 2030, primarily driven by AI workloads. Although advancements in efficiency and renewable energy help mitigate impact, they cannot keep pace with growing demand. Therefore, accountability through transparent reporting and responsible consumer usage is essential to ensure that AI development remains sustainable, turning every prompt into a conscious resource decision for a healthier planet.
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