Summer in Greece: the heat intensifies, the streets empty, suitcases fill with swimsuits and hats, while laptops remain open for those final tasks before checking out of the city. Heatwaves blanket the rooftops, air conditioners run non-stop and we seek a few moments of coolness, a quick distraction with a ChatGPT question or a last weather search before heading to the islands.
But how much does our summer “burn”? Literally, with temperatures soaring to record highs, but also digitally, with every click consuming energy and water? Is it time to ask ourselves: what is the real cost of our summer breath?
Artificial Intelligence Leaves an Energy Footprint
Next time you want to ask ChatGPT something, pause for a moment. It’s hard to imagine the environmental consequences of our digital habits or the amount of water required for artificial intelligence to answer a single question.
For every 20–50 questions, the data centers processing these answers use enough water to keep their systems cool equivalent to a 500ml water bottle. Additionally, each AI query can emit 0.5–1g of CO₂. Multiplied across billions of users, this consumption becomes significant.
During summer, energy consumption from smartphones also increases as we use more apps, send photos and watch videos while on vacation. Each hour of video streaming on a mobile device can use energy equivalent to running a small fridge for an hour, while sending an email with an attachment can generate around 20g of CO₂.
While technology makes our daily lives easier, it demands resources. As the use of artificial intelligence grows globally, its energy consumption becomes a factor we can no longer ignore.
Climate Crisis in Greece
The Tourist Map Is Shifting
This summer, like those before it, is marked by prolonged heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Areas that were top summer destinations—Rhodes, Evia, Chios and Crete—are being hit by fires, leading to environmental degradation, threats to human life and economic damage to local communities.
The climate crisis is now shaping travelers’ choices. Tourists are seeking cooler, safer destinations, reducing visits to areas frequently affected by wildfires or extreme heat. Some scientists estimate that within 10–15 years, traditional tourist “hot spots” may lose their primacy, while mountainous or northern destinations may gain traction.
Tropical nights, when temperatures do not fall below 20°C, are expected to increase significantly, affecting sleep quality. Additionally, research from the University of Copenhagen shows that the climate crisis is even impacting sleep hours, predicting that rising temperatures will lead to a loss of 50–58 hours of sleep per year by 2099.
So, What Can We Do Now?
We are not going to stop using artificial intelligence or traveling. But we can do it with greater awareness:
- Use digital services mindfully, avoiding unnecessary questions and tests.
- Support platforms committed to renewable energy use.
- Choose destinations with a lower environmental footprint.
- Advocate for policies that reduce emissions and support local communities.
The climate crisis does not take a summer vacation, but we can reduce our footprint even while we relax. It may sound small, but every click, every accommodation choice and every trip shapes our world—our shared “home.”
See you in September with new ideas and practices to continue creating responsibly and with inspiration. Until then, have a wonderful summer and stay as cool as possible!