MIT Technology Review's most popular stories of 2025 are in. Artificial intelligence's massive energy consumption topped the list. The report, published this year, revealed the surprising resources needed to power AI.
Senior reporters James O'Donnell and Casey Crownhart conducted the investigation. They quantified AI's energy footprint, even down to a single query. The analysis took place throughout 2025. Findings were released online.
The report sparked global debate. Experts are now using the data to understand AI's true cost. Tech companies are facing pressure to develop more efficient AI models.
Generative AI tools exploded in popularity this year. Hundreds of millions now use them daily. This surge amplified concerns about energy usage.
MIT Technology Review will continue to investigate AI's impact. Future reports will explore water usage and carbon emissions. The goal is to inform responsible AI development.
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