Is this Legit? | Episode 6: Are AI’s Carbon Emissions For Writing Really Lower Than Ours?

In today’s episode, I’m tackling the bold, research-backed claim that AI produces lower carbon emissions for writing and drawing than humans. We’ll break down the study’s methodology, question its framing, and uncover the glaring omissions that make its conclusions feel more like a pro-AI pitch than neutral science. Plus, you’ll learn what Mark Twain has to do with all of this and why apples-to-oranges carbon calculations can skew the bigger picture.
Join me as I unpack the study’s findings, explore why bias in research matters, and share tips for critically evaluating the next viral “science-backed” claim you encounter.
Referenced:
Scientific Reports article: www.nature.com...
The Writer Magazine: www.writermag....
EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator: www.epa.gov/en...
The Nature Conservancy’s footprint calculator: www.nature.org...
#misinformation #factcheck #research #researchdesign #stats #ai #carbonfootprint

[@cirice2165]

I love the way you break things down! Please keep making these. I'm in Computer Information Technology, not specifically AI but I'm exposed to some of it. I would say that a major point I found missing from this study was the acknowledgement that this type of AI (generative) must be trained on already created pieces of writing. Shouldn't then the emissions created by the original writing be calculated into the AI emissions as well? Also, I detest the undertones of the narrative that art should be sacrificed for the planet when we know that OVER consumption is one of the major issues and art is one of the rare circumstances of creation of rather than consumption of. Just a bit of a side personal note there. Haha.

[@kirstenleehill]

OMG YES! That’s a great addition - the emissions by the original writing should absolutely count!!! And such a great point about overconsumption!! I could get behind offloading a number of things to AI, but creativity?? That’s wild to me. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and kind words!!