Algebra, philosophy and…: These AI chatbot queries cause most harm to environment, study claims
Representative Image
Queries demanding complex reasoning from AI chatbots, such as those related to abstract algebra or philosophy, generate significantly more
carbon emissions
than simpler questions, a new study reveals. These high-level computational tasks can produce up to six times more emissions than straightforward inquiries like basic history questions. A study conducted by researchers at Germany's
Hochschule München University
of Applied Sciences, published in the journal Frontiers (seen by The Independent), found that the energy consumption and subsequent carbon dioxide emissions of
large language models
(LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT vary based on the chatbot, user, and subject matter. An analysis of 14 different AI models consistently showed that questions requiring extensive logical thought and reasoning led to higher emissions.
To mitigate their environmental impact, the researchers have advised frequent users of AI chatbots to consider adjusting the complexity of their queries.
Why do these queries cause more carbon emissions by AI chatbots
In the study, author Maximilian Dauner wrote:
'The environmental impact of questioning trained LLMs is strongly determined by their reasoning approach, with explicit reasoning processes significantly driving up energy consumption and carbon emissions. We found that reasoning-enabled models produced up to 50 times more carbon dioxide emissions than concise response models.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Americans Are Freaking Out Over This All-New Hyundai Tucson (Take a Look)
Smartfinancetips
Learn More
Undo
The study evaluated 14 large language models (LLMs) using 1,000 standardised questions to compare their carbon emissions. It explains that AI chatbots generate emissions through processes like converting user queries into numerical data. On average, reasoning models produce 543.5 tokens per question, significantly more than concise models, which use only 40 tokens.
'A higher token footprint always means higher CO2 emissions,'
the study adds.
The study highlights that Cogito, one of the most accurate models with around 85% accuracy, generates three times more carbon emissions than other similarly sized models that offer concise responses.
'Currently, we see a clear accuracy-sustainability trade-off inherent in LLM technologies. None of the models that kept emissions below 500 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent achieved higher than 80 per cent accuracy on answering the 1,000 questions correctly,'
Dauner explained.
Researchers used carbon dioxide equivalent to measure the climate impact of AI models and hope that their findings encourage more informed usage.
For example, answering 600,000 questions with DeepSeek R1 can emit as much carbon as a round-trip flight from London to New York. In comparison, Alibaba Cloud's Qwen 2.5 can answer over three times more questions with similar accuracy while producing the same emissions.
'Users can significantly reduce emissions by prompting AI to generate concise answers or limiting the use of high-capacity models to tasks that genuinely require that power,'
Dauner noted.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Rockstar releases background fixes for GTA Online Money Fronts DLC issues
Source: Rockstar Games Following the launch of the summer-themed Money Fronts DLC, Rockstar Games quietly deployed a background update to GTA Online to address various gameplay bugs and progression issues without requiring a visible download. The server-side fixes don't require players to download a manual update. The changes are in reaction to the feedback from the community and are made for smoothing out the experience following the substantial content update. Silent update addresses broken progression and mission crashes As per community insider Tez2, Rockstar's background update dated June 19 is particularly aimed at bugs added with the Money Fronts DLC. Fixing one of the most important issues solves a problem in the "Current Liabilities" mission, in which players were not getting progress credit for completing the Tier 4 challenge despite reaching the maximum bonus. Aside from the progression bug, Rockstar also fixed a crashing bug when starting Mr. Faber missions. Another was a glitch where players couldn't access the Cayo Perico Beach Party after ordering an RC Tank. All these were server-side fixes, which means that these were done without interrupting gameplay through a downloadable patch. For those still experiencing the Tier 4 challenge problem, it's recommended to redo the Current Liabilities mission and gain the best bonus once more, as the solution will now properly monitor progress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Cardiologist Says This Food Can Do Wonders For Your Health Gundry MD Learn More Undo Background patches stabilize post-DLC gameplay Such server-side updates are standard procedure after large GTA Online content releases. Rockstar tends to keep an eye on the launch window for several days in order to identify and fix problems as fast as possible and reduce frustration among players. Though not quite as noticeable as downloadable patches, background fixes are important for keeping the game balanced and functioning smoothly. Even though there has been some frustration expressed by players regarding early Money Fronts bugs, Rockstar's quick response indicates the developer's continued commitment to GTA Online. It also indicates an ongoing trend of enhancing game health without imposing unnecessary downtime or downloads. The recent background update for GTA Online proves Rockstar's quick response to fixing bugs related to the Money Fronts DLC. By tackling major issues such as challenge tracking and mission crashes, the developer makes sure players can enjoy the new content smoothly. As usual, further updates might be released based on community feedback and live performance. Also Read: Eagle-eyed fan spots fingerprint detail in GTA 6 trailer screenshot Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
IT Park Phase IV to transform capital's economic landscape
T'puram: The landscape of Thiruvananthapuram is undergoing a dramatic transformation as Technopark Phase IV, formerly known as Technocity, takes shape as Kerala's premier technology hub. With a string of big-ticket projects in the pipeline, this ambitious hub will redefine city's economic landscape, attract top-tier investments and generate thousands of new jobs. Spanning 400 acres at Pallipuram, this ambitious development is set to become an integrated IT township that seamlessly blends information technology, space innovation and sustainable urban infrastructure. At the heart of this transformation is the TCS Digital Hub, scheduled for completion in early 2026. This flagship facility by Tata Consultancy Services will accommodate over 20,000 professionals, making it one of India's largest digital centres. The project's construction is progressing rapidly, signalling strong momentum for the entire development. The upcoming Digital Science Park represents another groundbreaking initiative, positioning itself as India's first dedicated facility for advanced research collaboration between academia and industry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Global tech giant ARM has expressed interest in partnership opportunities, while Irish firm TRASNA has already established its semiconductor facility in the Kabani building, with plans for further expansion. Technopark QUAD development is currently under construction, designed to provide latest infrastructure for IT and ITeS companies of all sizes. With 8.5 lakh sq ft of space, this multi-block complex will offer plug-and-play offices and modern amenities to attract both international and domestic companies. Innovation takes centre stage with the proposed Emerging Technology Startup Hub, led by Kerala Startup Mission. This facility will nurture startups in cutting-edge fields such as blockchain, metaverse, IoT and clean tech, providing crucial incubation space and mentoring support. The Space Park, a strategic collaboration with Isro and private aerospace companies, is set to position Thiruvananthapuram as a key player in India's space-tech sector. With facilities for satellite fabrication and testing, the first building is expected to be operational within 13 months. Adding to the mix is the Unity Mall, showcasing Kerala's 'One District One Product' items and local crafts to global visitors, with operations scheduled to begin in Nov this year. "Technopark Phase IV is rapidly transforming into Kerala's 'Destination Next' and emerging digital hub," said CEO of Technopark Sanjeev Nair. "The ecosystem here is poised for exponential growth with the presence of key institutions and initiatives," he added.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Modi flags off 100 new electric buses for city
1 2 3 Bhubaneswar: In a move towards a modern, eco-friendly mobility network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off 100 new electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (Crut). The PM inaugurated the new buses during his visit to the city to mark one-year anniversary of the BJP govt in Odisha. The new additions increased the number of e-buses under Crut in the capital city to about 150. The capital city is steadily improving infrastructure supporting EVs with the introduction of a new public charging station at Vani Vihar Square recently. Besides, the Crut has also been developing exclusive bus depots equipped with EV infrastructure. With the new additions on Friday, Crut is likely to increase the number of routes covering more distant parts of the city as well as Cuttack and Puri. Besides the e-buses, Crut operates about 400 buses which run on conventional fuel. "There is a growing demand for public buses in the city. Looking at the need and demand, we have strengthened our fleet. The new and upcoming addition to the fleet will predominantly be e-buses only," a Crut spokesperson said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He said the additions took the total number of buses under Crut to about 510. "There are 58 routes where Ama buses are plying now. We will be adding a few new routes with the new buses," added the spokesperson. The Ama Bus (earlier called Mo Bus) services have gained immense popularity in quick time. From daily ridership of a few thousand in the initial days, it has gone up to 2.16 lakh in Bhubaneswar alone. Looking at the demand, the state govt increased the fleet with new EV buses as well as routes covering more parts of the city. It also introduced Ama Bus service in Rourkela in 2023. It later expanded the service to cities like Berhampur and Sampalpur.
