For one month beginning on October 5, I ran an experiment: Every day, I asked ChatGPT 5 (more precisely, its “Extended Thinking” version) to find an error in “Today’s featured article”. In 28 of these 31 featured articles (90%), ChatGPT identified what I considered a valid error, often several. I have so far corrected 35 such errors.
I mean, even if chat GPT uses the referenced maximum of 40 Wh and OP did one query per day for 31 days, that would be the equivalent energy usage of leaving a 40W light bulb on for a little over a day, 31 hours, no?
I don’t see how that’s enough energy equivalent to burning down 4 trees as previous commenter stated.
It’s not good, but I don’t see it as unfathomably wasteful.