The impact of AI on the environment
Objective: The worksheet aims to raise learners' awareness of the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). It trains them to critically analyse the energy and resource consumption of data centres in order to develop strategies for the environmental sustainability of AI technology, particularly through the use of renewable energies.
Contents and methods: The worksheet begins with a warm-up on the learners' personal attitudes towards AI and climate change, followed by information about AI data centres in a selected country/city. Learners analyse advantages and environmental risks using text and cause-and-effect analyses. Methods such as group research, perspective changing and decision-making encourage reflection on sustainability and concrete measures for environmental responsibility.
Competencies:
- Sustainability awareness: Understanding the ecological footprint of digital technologies (energy and resource consumption).
- Critical analysis: Weighing technological advantages (climate research, smart farming) against environmental risks.
- Problem solving: Developing concrete strategies to promote energy efficiency and the use of green energy sources for AI.
- Understanding of roles: Making informed political decisions from an environmental policy perspective.
Target group and level: Years 8–10 (middle school)
ESD:
- 12: Responsible consumption and production patterns: This addresses the challenge of raw material extraction (rare earths) and the need for recycling and sustainable procurement.
- 13: Climate action: The text highlights the role of AI in reducing global emissions and in climate research.
51 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
8th-10th grade
Subjects
The impact of AI on the environment
Warm-up: What do you think?
Form groups of 3-4 people. Discuss briefly within your group and write down your thoughts:
- When you think of "artificial intelligence", is it good or bad for the environment?
- Should the use of AI be more strictly regulated to protect the environment?
- Do you think AI will help slow down climate change in the future?
Write down the reasons here.
Assignment
Read the following text carefully and then work on the questions together in your group. Use your answers to complete the table.
Analyse the environmental consequences. Write down the causes and explain the effects on the environment.
Assignment
The text mentions large numbers and forecasts that are difficult to imagine. To make them easier to grasp, compare them with clear everyday examples by filling in the gaps (research or estimate).
Interactive group task: "AI-footprint"
Return to your groups. Each group chooses an AI application (e.g. chatbots, facial recognition, self-driving cars, AI in agriculture).
Task:
- Briefly research how much energy or resources this application consumes.
- Consider how it could be made more sustainable and create a poster or infographic.
- Present your findings to the class in 3–4 minutes.
Lade Zeichenfeld...
Reflection & Transfer
Within the group, each person selects one of the four role cards and completes the table from that person's perspective.
The key question is:
An international company is planning to build a new AI data centre. What opportunities, risks and interests arise from your role?
Business person
AI Researcher
Environmental Activist
Citizen
Reflect
Which arguments or perspectives did you find most convincing during the role play, and why?
Consider ecological, economic and social aspects. Which position would you personally support, and what led you to this conclusion?