Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to page footer

Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI's Environmental and Human Effects

Print
Generative AI could dramatically increase productivity and transform workloads in many industries. It can be used to respond to questions in customer service chats, create schedules, summarize information, produce Internet content—and more.

But generative AI also poses potential risks to people and the environment.

For example, the IT equipment that powers generative AI needs a lot of water and electricity to function efficiently and avoid overheating. Also, generative AI could replace workers or be used to create dangerous deepfakes.

Our Technology Assessment discusses these and other challenges and offers options for policymakers to consider.
Short title:
Generative AI's Environmental and Human Effects
Start date:
2023-11
End date:
2025-04
Project leader:
Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (STAA)
Country:
United States of America
Homepage:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107172