House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Artificial Intelligence: Environmental Impact

Wednesday 14 May 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

Bell Ribeiro-Addy questioned the Government on steps taken to ensure AI development aligns with sustainability goals.
The Minister highlighted advancements in cooling technologies and the promotion of renewable energy resources for AI.
Sir Roger Gale inquired about including agriculture in AI working parties, noting the potential benefits for vertical agriculture projects.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab Clapham and Brixton Hill

Climate Science & Technology

Context

The MP noted that AI, particularly with large user bases like ChatGPT, consumes significant energy and water resources. She referenced specific figures: 57 million daily users for ChatGPT and an estimated 500 ml of water used to cool data centres for every five to 50 questions asked.

Question

We know that AI has the power to transform civilisation, but its huge drain on the environment is a problem. The Minister has explained some of the work being done through the AI energy council, yet with increased droughts and climate emergencies, what steps are the Government taking specifically to manage water consumption and sustainability in line with their AI ambitions?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Feryal Clark)

I assure my hon. Friend that the Government are committed to ensuring that AI development aligns with sustainability goals. We welcome advances in cooling technologies such as dry cooling and closed-loop systems, and we promote the use of renewable energy resources. I chair the AI Ministers group which brings together Ministers from all Departments to coordinate cross-cutting challenges, including water consumption.

Partly answered

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Q2 Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

Science & Technology Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Context

The MP referenced the GrowUp vertical agriculture project in his constituency, which relies heavily on data for its operations. He highlighted that agriculture is not represented in any working parties despite AI's potential benefits.

Question

The astonishingly successful GrowUp vertical agriculture project in Sandwich, my constituency, is highly dependent on data and could be greatly assisted by artificial intelligence. Agriculture is not represented on any of the working parties; will the Minister ensure that agriculture is included and possibly visit the project?