Science Vs13 Nov 2025

AI: Is It Ruining the Environment?

The internet is abuzz with accusations that artificial intelligence is using up tons of energy and water. People are even protesting the building of new AI data centers, saying they’ll put a huge strain on local resources. But some AI defenders say that this fear is overblown and that AI isn’t actually that bad for the environment. So who’s right? We talk to science and tech reporters Casey Crownhart and James O’Donnell, and computer scientist Prof. Shaolei Ren. UPDATE, 11/13/25: This episode has been updated to note that some AI companies advertise on the show. Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsAIEnvironment Read James and Casey's article here: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/05/20/1116327/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech/ Check out the Mythbusters GPU/CPU demonstration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmW6SD-EHVY In this episode, we cover: (0:00) Chapter One: No More AI For Dank Memes?! (3:34) Chapter Two: How Much Energy Does Your AI Query Use? (15:37) Chapter Three: How Much Energy Does AI Use Total? (21:18) Chapter Four: Is AI Drinking All Our Water? (29:29) Chapter Five: Should You Quit Using AI? This episode was produced by Rose Rimler and Blythe Terrell, with help from Meryl Horn and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Emma Munger, So Wylie, Peter Leonard, Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. Thanks to all the researchers we reached out to, including Prof. Melissa Scanlan, and special thanks to Andrew Pouliot and Jesse Rimler. Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for new episode notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(340)

We Solve the 49ers Viral Conspiracy Theory

Is an electrical substation contributing to injuries on the San Francisco 49ers?? A bunch of people on the internet seem to think so, claiming that electromagnetic field waves could be to blame for pl...

13 Aug 1h 1min

Weight Loss: Why Won't It Stick?

If you have ever tried to lose weight only to find the weight crept back on, you’re not alone. In fact, for tons of people, this happens over and over again. This is called “weight cycling,” and a bun...

6 Aug 39min

Free Will: Does It Exist?

Will you hit play on this episode?? It feels like that decision is totally within your control — but what if it’s not? What if free will is just an illusion? Lots of people are using science to say th...

30 Juli 31min

Narcissists: Are We Surrounded?

The internet tells us that narcissists are everywhere — and that the problem is only getting worse. It’s like narcissism is oozing out of our celebrities, politicians, partners, parents, maybe even ou...

2 Juli 44min

Raw Milk: Secret Superfood??

Raw milk is having a major moment, with fans claiming it’s a gut-healing superfood that can prevent everything from asthma to allergies. But others are like HOLD ON — we pasteurize milk to make it saf...

25 Juni 40min

Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?

Today we’re revisiting caffeine. It’s a drug that tons of us take every day. So, is that a bad thing?? What is it really doing to our bodies and our brains? Plus — if we get it in the form of energy d...

18 Juni 41min

The Woman Who Felt No Fear

A group of scientists meet a very unusual woman. A key part of her brain isn’t working: the amygdala. This is the part of the brain that we think is responsible for feeling fear. And in fact, this wom...

11 Juni 43min

Peptides: The Ultimate Body Hack?

Peptides are huge right now. Influencers are telling us they can work wonders for all sorts of stuff. Struggling with an annoying injury that won't heal?? Belly fat that's pissing you off? Low energy?...

4 Juni 38min