{"id":80186,"date":"2025-09-12T15:24:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T14:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/?post_type=faqs&#038;p=80186"},"modified":"2025-09-22T11:55:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T10:55:58","slug":"what-direct-risks-does-ai-pose-to-the-climate-and-environment","status":"publish","type":"faqs","link":"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/explainers\/what-direct-risks-does-ai-pose-to-the-climate-and-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"What direct risks does AI pose to the climate and environment?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"UTF-8\"><p><a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/artificial-intelligence\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Artificial intelligence&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> (AI) is increasingly being embedded into the daily functioning of sectors from <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8285156\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">healthcare&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> to <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oecd.org\/en\/topics\/sub-issues\/digital-finance\/artificial-intelligence-in-finance.html\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">finance&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S258972172030012X\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">agriculture&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> and <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2773049224000278\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">environmental management&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. While it has the potential to <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44168-025-00252-3\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">support climate action&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/explainers\/what-is-ais-role-in-financing-biodiversity-conservation\/\">biodiversity conservation<\/a>, unmitigated growth in AI use poses significant ethical and direct climate and environmental risks. These direct risks primarily stem from the significant infrastructure needed to build and operate AI systems, including <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.technologyreview.com\/2025\/05\/20\/1116327\/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">energy&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> and <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2304.03271#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20training,the%20United%20Kingdom\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">water&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>-intensive data centres and <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sfa-oxford.com\/knowledge-and-insights\/critical-minerals-in-low-carbon-and-future-technologies\/critical-minerals-in-artificial-intelligence\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">critical mineral extraction&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. Importantly, the use of AI can also directly cause environmental harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental impacts from AI infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate and air pollution impacts from AI&rsquo;s energy consumption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Training AI models requires vast computational resources, with computing power usage increasing <a class=\"link link--external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/d41586-024-03408-z\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">tenfold&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> between 2018 and 2022. With fossil fuels still providing <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/energy-system\/electricity#overview\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">over 60% of total global electricity generation&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, the rising demand for AI computing risks increasing greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process by which AI models analyse new data and produce outputs, commonly referred to as inference, is now responsible for about <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.technologyreview.com\/2025\/05\/20\/1116327\/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech\/#:~:text=It%E2%80%99s%20now%20estimated%20that%2080%E2%80%9390%25%20of%20computing%20power%20for%20AI%20is%20used%20for%20inference.\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">80&ndash;90%&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> of AI computing resources. Most users rely on commercial models for which energy consumption data remains undisclosed. This lack of transparency from major providers poses a significant challenge for accurately assessing AI&rsquo;s environmental impacts, including its carbon footprint, as researchers cannot independently evaluate the energy usage of these proprietary models (like they can for <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/huggingface.co\/spaces\/AIEnergyScore\/Leaderboard\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">open source models&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>). As AI usage expands rapidly across society &ndash; likely driven by increases in total energy consumption from inference &ndash; improving transparency will become increasingly critical for managing this footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, data centres accounted for about <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/energy-and-ai\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">1.5% of the world&rsquo;s electricity consumption&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. But demand is projected to double to <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/energy-and-ai\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">945 TWh by 2030&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, potentially exceeding Japan&rsquo;s current total electricity consumption. The United States accounts for the largest share of global data centre <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/energy-and-ai\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">electricity consumption (45%), followed by China (25%) and Europe (15%)&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. In the US, data centres already represent <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/eta-publications.lbl.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-12\/lbnl-2024-united-states-data-center-energy-usage-report.pdf\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">4.4% of energy consumption&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. The <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/wsjprosustainablebusiness.cmail20.com\/t\/d-e-gllyuld-ddjrdlllit-r\/#:~:text=Who%20Pays%3F%20AI%20Boom%20Sparks%20Fight%20Over%20Soaring%20Power%20Costs\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">need to finance the unprecedented expansion&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> of power grid infrastructure could lead to public funding being diverted away from social and environmental projects and delay the retirement of existing fossil fuel-intensive infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data centres currently contribute <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/co2-emissions-in-2022\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">about 1% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> and are among the fastest-growing sources of emissions. By 2035, increased data centre energy use could lead to an additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44168-025-00252-3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">0.4&ndash;1.6 gigatonnes of CO<sub>2 <\/sub>equivalent (GtCO<sub>2<\/sub>e) emissions<\/a>. Some companies, such as <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2025\/05\/06\/elon-musk-xai-memphis-gas-turbines-air-pollution-permits-00317582\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">xAI&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, are building new gas-powered turbines to power their data centres. This expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure is also causing local air pollution to increase. For instance, xAI&rsquo;s data centre in Memphis, Tennessee emits an <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2025\/05\/06\/elon-musk-xai-memphis-gas-turbines-air-pollution-permits-00317582#:~:text=The%20turbines%20spew%20nitrogen%20oxides%2C%20also%20known%20as%20NOx%2C%20at%20an%20estimated%20rate%20of%201%2C200%20to%202%2C000%20tons%20a%20year%20%E2%80%94%20far%20more%20than%20the%20gas%2Dfired%20power%20plant%20across%20the%20street%20or%20the%20oil%20refinery%20down%20the%20road.\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">estimated 1,200 to 2,000 tons&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> of nitrogen oxide (NOx) a year, making it one of the area&rsquo;s largest emitters. Besides affecting human health, high concentrations are also harmful to natural ecosystems. NOx emissions are generally strictly regulated, but it appears <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arstechnica.com\/tech-policy\/2025\/07\/xai-gets-an-air-permit-to-power-its-supercomputer-but-pollution-fears-remain\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">some companies are sidestepping regulations&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> to meet their electricity needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pressure on water resources from cooling data centres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Data centres can require enormous volumes of water for cooling, and tend to be <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/energy-and-ai\/energy-demand-from-ai\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">highly concentrated&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> in certain locations, <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.technologyreview.com\/2025\/05\/20\/1116327\/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech\/#:~:text=Some%20energy%20is%20wasted%20at%20nearly%20every%20exchange%20through%20imperfect%20insulation%20materials%20and%20long%20cables%20in%20between%20racks%20of%20servers%2C%20and%20many%20buildings%20use%20millions%20of%20gallons%20of%20water%20(often%20fresh%2C%20potable%20water)%20per%20day%20in%20their%20cooling%20operations.\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">threatening local water supplies&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. In 2027, global AI training and use are projected to account for <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/2304.03271\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">4.2&minus;6.6 billion cubic metres of water withdrawal&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. This raises concerns around priorities for water use, especially in water-stressed areas and during times of drought, and places pressure on nature and people. For instance, in 2021, the Taiwanese government implemented water rationing measures that <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/experience.arcgis.com\/experience\/a1ec0d1276064ae387c863f2a14b11e1\/page\/Taiwan-Supply-Chain\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">prioritised the semiconductor sector&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, which is an essential hardware input for AI data centres, over other sectors such as agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Impacts from mining critical minerals for AI infrastructure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The construction of data centres and AI technologies requires significant amounts of&nbsp;<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sfa-oxford.com\/knowledge-and-insights\/critical-minerals-in-low-carbon-and-future-technologies\/critical-minerals-in-artificial-intelligence\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">minerals and metals&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, including those essential for semiconductors and microelectronics (e.g. boron and silicon), data storage components (e.g. lithium, silicon and gallium) and power generation and storage (e.g. lithium and graphite). Mining and processing these minerals significantly affect the environment, through high energy demand and associated emissions, groundwater depletion, water and soil contamination, deforestation and soil erosion, in turn contributing to biodiversity loss, land degradation and harming human health. Furthermore, demand for these minerals is rising. As well as the increase in direct environmental impacts, the growing demand places AI infrastructure in direct competition with other critical societal and environmental needs, such as the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure needed to mitigate climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marine ecosystem risks from underwater data centres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Underwater data centres, such as Microsoft&rsquo;s <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/stories\/2020\/09\/microsoft-project-natick-underwater-data-center-scotland\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">research project Natick&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, have gained attention for their <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/news.microsoft.com\/source\/features\/sustainability\/project-natick-underwater-datacenter\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">potential to be more sustainable than land-based alternatives&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, as they could reduce cooling costs and associated electricity use, while improving hardware reliability. However, the heat generated by these submerged facilities can raise local water temperatures, further intensifying existing warming due to climate change. Elevated water temperatures <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.igb-berlin.de\/en\/news\/oxygen-depletion-water-has-far-reaching-consequences-not-just-lakes\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">reduce oxygen availability&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, threatening marine species&rsquo; healthy functioning. Additionally, warmer surface waters mix less effectively with deeper, nutrient-rich layers, disrupting nutrient cycles and potentially harming biodiversity and food webs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Environmental risks from AI-driven applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the environmental risks from the rapid build-out of AI infrastructure, there are serious environmental concerns that may come from the use of AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risks from AI-powered biological design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AI-driven biodesign, which uses biological principles and living organisms to create products, systems and services, <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/acbio.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Black-Box-Biotech-AI-Synth-bio-paper_fin.pdf\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">can operate as a &lsquo;black box&rsquo;&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>, with limited traceability, accountability or biosafety oversight. This poses enormous risks, especially when new lifeforms are introduced into ecosystems, such as in the use of <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.abj5593\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">self-spreading viruses as insecticides&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. When used to intentionally cause harm, AI may also reduce the barriers for <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.belfercenter.org\/publication\/biosecurity-age-ai-whats-risk#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20biggest%20issue,attack.%E2%80%9D%5B2%5D\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">large-scale biological attacks&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> or be used for <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/7277608\/demis-hassabis-interview-time100-2025\/#:~:text=It%20was%20a%20red%20line%20that%20reflected%20his%20vision%20of%20AI%20as%20humanity%27s%20scientific%20savior%2C%20not%20a%20weapon%20of%20war.%20But%20multiple%20corporate%20restructures%20later%2C%20that%20protection%20has%20quietly%20disappeared.\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">military purposes,&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> which has the potential to create lasting human and ecological damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accelerating environmentally harmful industries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>General-purpose AI technologies can boost efficiency and innovation in<a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41558-022-01377-7\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"> environmentally harmful industries.&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> For instance, the oil and gas sector, an early adopter of AI, has used these technologies to <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/oil-in-the-cloud\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">optimise exploration, production and maintenance and to facilitate the discovery of new reserves&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. These innovations could decrease the cost of fossil fuels and incentivise greater consumption. Similarly, AI-powered autonomous vehicles could encourage private car use at the expense of more sustainable public transport options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AI&rsquo;s harm to ecosystems will depend on human policy choices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AI regulations largely focus on ethics and privacy (e.g. the <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.europarl.europa.eu\/topics\/en\/article\/20230601STO93804\/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">EU&rsquo;s AI Act&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>), neglecting explicit environmental impacts. Regulatory oversight remains fragmented or inadequate in many locations, including the US, exemplified by cases where companies operate energy infrastructure to power data centres <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/arstechnica.com\/tech-policy\/2025\/07\/xai-gets-an-air-permit-to-power-its-supercomputer-but-pollution-fears-remain\/\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">without environmental permits&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>. This lack of effective oversight leaves environmental risks largely unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The environmental impacts of AI on communities, ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions and biosecurity are not predetermined. Rather, they depend on choices about data centre locations, resource extraction for hardware, energy sources powering AI infrastructure, and oversight of AI application use. Ultimately, the future of AI is a political decision: the choice could be made to build a future in which AI benefits society without causing irreparable damage to the environment. Democratic deliberation and <a class=\"link link--external\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44168-025-00252-3#:~:text=Governments%20must%20regulate%20AI%20to%20minimise%20their%20environmental%20footprint%2C%20for%20example%2C%20by%20encouraging%20the%20use%20of%20renewable%20energy%20in%20datacentres%20and%20promoting%20energy%2Defficient%20AI%20models\" aria-describedby=\"link-description-new-window\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">government regulation&#65279;<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 16 16\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14.42 1.04L3.2.7a.8.8 0 00-.8.76v.1a.8.8 0 00.76.7l9.39.3L.93 14.16c-.3.3-.3.8 0 1.1l.09.08c.3.23.73.2 1.01-.07L13.65 3.65l.29 9.4a.8.8 0 00.8.76.79.79 0 00.77-.8L15.17 1.8a.82.82 0 00-.75-.76z\" fill=\"#2e3152\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a> will be critical to promoting this choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This Explainer was written by Lea Reitmeier and Sylvan Lutz, and reviewed and edited by Georgina Kyriacou and Sarah King. The authors thank Roberta Pierfederici, Gustavo Pinilla, Franka Huhn, Elena Almeida and Laudine Goumet for their helpful comments on an earlier draft.<\/em> <em>Lea Reitmeier authored this Explainer when employed as a Policy Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Listen to the LSE iQ podcast episode: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F_-f5NS0pEc&amp;list=PLK4elntcUEy1Nqf1fFarSYpe8csE1fKmf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Is AI destroying our planet?<\/em><\/a><em> and the recording of the LSE public lecture on: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lse.ac.uk\/granthaminstitute\/events\/harnessing-ai-safeguarding-high-integrity-data-for-climate-action\/\"><em>Harnessing AI: safeguarding high-integrity data for climate action<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"UTF-8\"><p>While AI has the potential to support climate action and biodiversity conservation, unmitigated growth in AI use poses significant ethical and direct climate and environmental risks. <\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":80196,"template":"","tags":[403,2386,487,465,5040,2009,184,712,5038,5039,2392,91,5041,401],"faq-type":[4192],"topic_area":[4687,4702,4703,4709],"class_list":["post-80186","faqs","type-faqs","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-air-pollution","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-climate-risks","tag-critical-minerals","tag-data-centres","tag-electricity-consumption","tag-emissions","tag-energy-consumption","tag-environmental-harm","tag-environmental-impacts","tag-environmental-risk","tag-fossil-fuels","tag-power-infrastructure","tag-regulation","faq-type-biodiversity","topic_area-protecting-the-environment","topic_area-air-pollution","topic_area-water-security-and-behaviour","topic_area-critical-minerals-and-resources"],"acf":{"profile_link":{"ref_value":"field_52f164b5189e9","value":["lea-reitmeier","sylvan-lutz"],"type":"relationship","post_type":"profile"},"article_link":{"ref_value":"field_5fe212f22c4d4","value":"","type":false,"post_type":""},"spotlight":{"ref_value":"field_52f80896506d3","value":"","type":false,"post_type":""}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What direct risks does AI pose to the climate and environment? 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