UN Scientists: AI Is Threatening Natural Resources for Billions (unu.edu)

A recent report by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) highlights the alarming environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), projecting that global data centers will consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity by 2030—nearly triple the combined electricity usage of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This demand will not only create a significant carbon footprint, equivalent to that of 399 million tonnes of CO2, but also impose enormous water and land burdens, equating to the annual domestic water needs of 1.3 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa and covering an area larger than the Jakarta metropolitan region. The report emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to assessing AI's environmental costs, which have traditionally focused solely on carbon emissions. The implications for the AI and machine learning communities are profound, as the research underscores the need for sustainability and equity in AI infrastructure development. Many countries face rising pressures due to unequal distributions of both benefits and burdens. With 90% of AI computing resources concentrated in just two countries, the report draws attention to the environmental justice issues at stake, particularly for nations that bear the brunt of e-waste and mineral extraction, while receiving little in return. To address these challenges, the report calls for a roadmap emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and the integration of AI considerations within local and global environmental planning, urging stakeholders across sectors to engage in responsible AI infrastructure development.