June 5: The United Nations has warned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could significantly increase global energy and water consumption, raising concerns about environmental sustainability.
According to the assessment, electricity demand from AI-driven data centres could more than double by 2030, driven by the growing use of large-scale computing systems and digital infrastructure. The report also highlights potential pressure on freshwater resources, as cooling systems used in data centres require substantial water usage.
Experts say the surge in AI adoption is transforming industries, economies, and public services, but also creating new environmental challenges that need urgent attention. The UN has called for stronger global coordination to improve energy efficiency, promote green data infrastructure, and encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
The findings underline the need to balance technological growth with climate responsibility, ensuring that the expansion of AI does not come at the cost of environmental stability and resource security.