#585 | Is AI Really Destroying the Planet?

#585 | Is AI Really Destroying the Planet?

Author: Leonardo English December 19, 2025 Duration: 20:55

 


Is AI really a disaster for the environment, or are the fears exaggerated?

 

In this episode, we'll discuss the environmental cost of Artificial Intelligence.

 

From a water controversy in Scotland to the heat of Arizona, we look at how much energy AI really needs, and whether we should be worried.

 
  • BBC report on AI water use in Scotland.
  • Scotland's data centres use 0.005% of water supply.
  • What data centres are; cooling also uses energy.
  • AI requests create answers, needing powerful chips and energy.
  • Each query uses tiny energy, CO2, and water.
  • Headlines exaggerate AI's impact; context shows minimal effect.
  • Data centres use 1.5% of global electricity.
  • One burger's water equals millions of AI queries.
  • Energy source matters; location and water scarcity change impact.
  • AI use growing fast, but efficiency improving a lot.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/ai-vs-planet

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Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية


If your language studies could use a dose of fascination, English Learning for Curious Minds might just be what you're looking for. Created by Leonardo English, this podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced learners who are tired of dry textbooks and repetitive exercises. Instead, each episode dives into a curiously compelling topic-you might explore the history of forgotten inventions, unravel mysteries of ancient cultures, or discuss surprising scientific discoveries. The conversation is deliberately paced for comprehension, allowing you to absorb natural pronunciation and complex vocabulary in context. To support your learning, every episode includes an interactive transcript, subtitles, and key vocabulary lists. It’s this blend of genuine intellectual curiosity and practical learning tools that has built a global community, with listeners tuning in from 189 different countries. The result is a genuinely engaging way to build fluency, where improving your English feels less like a chore and more like a series of fascinating conversations about the weird and wonderful aspects of our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English
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