Asking AI a question vs sending an email
All comparisons
Send an email19 g
AI prompt (text)0.2 g
Verdict
A text prompt emits less than a simple email: ~0.2 g of CO₂ versus 4 g (plain email) to 19 g (with an attachment). Worth keeping in mind: our most mundane digital actions often weigh more than a question to AI.
Sources
- Mike Berners-Lee : « How Bad Are Bananas? » (email / numérique)
- ADEME : Base Empreinte / Impact CO2
Frequently asked
Does an email pollute more than an AI prompt?+
In CO₂, yes: a plain email (~4 g) or one with an attachment (~19 g) exceeds a text prompt (~0.2 g).
How much does an email emit?+
On the order of 4 g of CO₂ for a plain email, up to ~19 g with an attachment (Berners-Lee / ADEME estimates).