• While AI can drive efficiency and climate‑focused innovations, growing electricity demand and data centre emissions risk outpacing current energy systems
  • Data centre power use already accounts for 4% to 5% of US electricity consumption and could double by 2030, potentially adding much more emissions and prompting large‑scale fossil‑fuel investment
  • Massive renewable energy investments, incentives for sustainable compute, and regulatory frameworks are essential to prevent rebound effects and to harness AI’s potential as a catalyst for climate‑positive outcomes 

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become the emblem of technological progress, promising breakthroughs across industries from energy optimisation to climate risk prediction.

Yet behind this promise lies a reality that is far more complex, especially from an environmental and social standpoint. While AI may contribute to climate action and efficiency improvements, the current narrative tends to obscure significant environmental risks and systemic uncertainties.

If these challenges are not addressed, AI could inadvertently become a driver of ecological degradation and social disruption rather than a tool for sustainable progress.

Here we examine the environmental challenges linked to AI, focusing on energy consumption, emissions trends, and infrastructural pressures.

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