AI's Environmental Impact: Projections and Challenges through 2030
AI is projected to significantly increase global electricity and water consumption, raising concerns over environmental sustainability. By 2030, global data-center electricity use could reach 945 TWh, with AI contributing nearly half of this demand, potentially leading to severe carbon emissions and resource strain.
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By 2030, global data-center electricity use is anticipated to reach approximately 945 TWh, with AI workloads responsible for nearly half this growth, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). AI servers are projected to emit 24 to 44 million metric tons of CO₂ annually in the U.S. alone, comparable to adding 5 to 10 million cars.
Data centers currently account for 1.5% of global electricity consumption, expected to rise to nearly 3% by 2030. Water consumption is also increasing, with AI servers projected to use up to 1,125 million cubic meters of water annually, impacting water-stressed regions. The next five years are critical in determining whether AI's environmental impact becomes manageable or severe, with decisions made now affecting future sustainability.
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