Plus side is generating them is increasing global warming
Yes and no.
Generating images instead of not generating images? Increases global warming
Generating vacation images instead of flying to vacation? Net benefit
Create 1,000 images with a model like Stable Diffusion XL, and you’ve produced as much carbon dioxide as driving just over four miles in a gas-powered car, according to the researchers Melissa spoke to.
Plus side is generating them is increasing global warming
Yes and no.
Generating images instead of not generating images? Increases global warming
Generating vacation images instead of flying to vacation? Net benefit
I would say that compares maybe be wrong.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/05/23/1092777/ai-is-an-energy-hog-this-is-what-it-means-for-climate-change/
How, that's scary, thanks!