Rising energy, water and land demands from artificial intelligence may rival consumption levels of several nations, UN researchers caution.
Image: The United Nations
A new report from the United Nations University has warned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence could place significant pressure on global natural resources, with impacts expected to intensify by 2030.
Published by the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health, the study highlights concerns over AI’s growing demand for electricity, water and land, describing its environmental footprint as extending far beyond carbon emissions.
Researchers estimate that AI systems could consume electricity on a scale greater than the combined usage of countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
The report also projects that AI-related carbon emissions could reach around 400 million tonnes annually by 2030, comparable to the current emissions of the United Kingdom.
Water usage is another major concern, with estimates suggesting AI infrastructure could require trillions of litres annually—roughly equivalent to the needs of over a billion people in water-stressed regions.
The study further warns that AI-related data centres and energy facilities could occupy vast areas of land, potentially exceeding 14,500 square kilometres globally.
According to the report, while the benefits of AI are concentrated in a small number of technologically advanced nations, the environmental burden is likely to fall disproportionately on developing regions, particularly in parts of Asia already facing energy and water challenges.
The authors call for stronger environmental regulations, improved transparency from technology companies, and greater international cooperation to ensure sustainable AI development in the coming years.
