Artificial intelligence’s growing appetite could soon stretch far beyond electricity bills. According to a new United Nations University report cited by Artificial intelligence’s growing appetite could soon stretch far beyond electricity bills. According to a new United Nations University report cited by futurism, AI data centres are projected to consume 9.3 trillion litres of water annually by 2030—roughly equal to the basic water needs of 1.3 billion people.
Researchers say the environmental impact of AI has been underestimated because most attention focuses on carbon emissions, while water and land use are often ignored. The report found that running AI systems, including tools like ChatGPT, accounts for up to 90 per cent of the technology’s energy consumption.
The study also warns that cleaner energy alternatives may reduce emissions but could significantly increase water and land usage, creating new environmental challenges worldwide., AI data centres are projected to consume 9.3 trillion litres of water annually by 2030—roughly equal to the basic water needs of 1.3 billion people.
Researchers say the environmental impact of AI has been underestimated because most attention focuses on carbon emissions, while water and land use are often ignored. The report found that running AI systems, including tools like ChatGPT, accounts for up to 90 per cent of the technology’s energy consumption.
The study also warns that cleaner energy alternatives may reduce emissions but could significantly increase water and land usage, creating new environmental challenges worldwide.
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