UN issues stark warning over environmental impact of AI

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe United Nations has issued a warning, urging countries to confront the escalating environmental costs of AI (AFP/Getty)The United Nations (UN) has issued a warning, urging countries to confront the escalating environmental costs of artificial intelligence (AI).AI data centres consume vast amounts of electricity and water for cooling, while the technology’s footprint from chip production, critical minerals and electronic waste has also been highlighted in a report from the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.According to the scientists, AI-related workloads accounted for roughly 20 per cent of total data centre electricity use in 2025, with this expected to rise to 40 per cent by the end of the decade. This means electricity consumption linked to AI is projected to surge to such a level by 2030 that it could power the residential needs of all 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa for over two years.Governments are being urged to ensure decisions on AI infrastructure are integrated with energy planning, water governance and land-use permitting to ensure sustainable growth of the technology. In fullUN issues AI warning after new data reveals major impact on the planet and its resourcesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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