Introduction
As AI-generated art becomes more widespread, discussions around its impact—both positive and negative—continue to emerge. While much of the debate focuses on ethical concerns, artistic fulfillment, and financial impacts on traditional artists, this article will specifically address the environmental considerations of AI-generated art.
Taiwanese frog art created in Midjourney by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger.
Environmental Drawbacks of AI-Generated Art
Critics often cite the energy consumption of AI as a major drawback. Indeed, AI models like DALL·E and Midjourney require computing power, which in turn consumes electricity and requires servers and server storage facilities.
While specific numbers vary, one estimate suggests that generating 4,000 images using a large AI model consumes about the same energy required to charge a smartphone. Whether that is negligible or catastrophic may be a matter of opinion. Regardless, we expect that the AI models’ energy efficiency will likely improve due to the massive financial pressures on the companies that provide the AI software (energy usage is expensive!).
It is important to also consider the environmental impacts of traditional art creation, and the ways that AI-art can benefit nonprofits, which we discuss below.
SAVE THE FROGS! Africa logo art created in Midjourney by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger
Environmental Benefits of AI-Generated Art
1. No Physical Materials Required
Traditional art often requires physical resources: paper, canvas, paints, brushes, inks, markers, and other materials. Many of these contain synthetic chemicals, require water for production, and contribute to waste. AI art eliminates these material needs entirely (the AI-artist likely already owns a computer or smartphone).
2. Reduced Transportation Emissions
Artists often drive to buy supplies or have materials shipped to them, both of which contribute to carbon emissions. AI-generated art eliminates this transportation footprint entirely, as the entire creative process happens digitally.
3. Minimal Storage, Shipping, or Climate Control Needs
Traditional artwork and prints – and the materials needed to create them – require physical storage, which may involve temperature and humidity control (using heating or air conditioning). AI-generated art exists purely in digital form, requiring minimal storage space and no ongoing climate control. Millions of digital images can be stored on a small external hard drive.
4. Immediate Access to High-Impact Art for Nonprofits
Organizations like SAVE THE FROGS! often need compelling visuals for environmental campaigns. AI allows nonprofits to quickly generate powerful imagery that aligns with their mission, rather than spending time and money commissioning an artist or searching for volunteers. This efficiency means more resources can be directed toward conservation programs rather than marketing materials.
5. Flexibility to Use Both AI and Traditional Art
AI-generated art does not replace traditional art—it complements it. Nonprofits can continue to work with artists, host art contests (as SAVE THE FROGS! does), and promote traditional artistic expression while also leveraging AI for specific campaigns. Many supporters appreciate AI-generated art, and it can be used strategically alongside traditional methods to maximize impact.
SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest promo art created in Dall-E by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger.
Conclusion
While AI-generated art does have an energy footprint, it also offers numerous environmental advantages by reducing material waste, emissions, and energy-intensive storage. By thoughtfully integrating AI into their creative strategies, organizations can minimize environmental impact while ensuring they have the compelling visuals needed to drive their mission forward.
Nonprofits like SAVE THE FROGS! demonstrate that it’s not an “either-or” choice—AI and traditional art can coexist, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
Apocalyptic frog art created in Midjourney by SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, after a string of environmentally-unfriendly Supreme Court decisions.
Art atop this page by created by hand by Aydan Chang of Singapore, 2024 SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest Finalist.
