UN issues AI warning after new data reveals major impact on the planet (www.the-independent.com)

The United Nations has raised alarm over the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting its escalating demands on electricity, water, and land as AI technology expands. A report from UNU-INWEH reveals that AI data centers, essential for AI operations, are projected to consume 20% of total data center electricity by 2025, potentially rising to 40% by 2030. This alarming trend indicates that AI-related electricity use could match the residential needs of 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa for over two years. Furthermore, the predicted carbon footprint of data centers could reach nearly 400 million tonnes, necessitating the planting of 6.7 billion trees over a decade to offset emissions. The report emphasizes the need for integrating environmental considerations into AI decision-making across governments, businesses, and investors to ensure sustainable development. It challenges the assumption that renewable energy sources fully mitigate the environmental impacts of data centers, stressing that significant water and land use remains a concern. This warning underscores a widening digital divide, where countries lacking AI infrastructure face disproportionate environmental burdens. UN experts advocate for collaborative, responsible approaches, encouraging developers and users to prioritize eco-friendly practices in AI deployment while considering the long-term implications of their technology choices.