NEW YORK: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) could place enormous pressure on global energy, water, and land resources by 2030, with developing countries likely to bear a disproportionate share of the environmental costs, according to a new study released by the United Nations University (UNU).
The report, titled The Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Carbon, Water and Land Footprints, was published by the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health and highlights the growing environmental impact of AI technologies beyond their carbon emissions.
According to the study, electricity consumption linked to AI is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade. By 2030, AI systems could require nearly three times the annual electricity consumption of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria combined—countries with a collective population of approximately 650 million people.
Researchers estimate that AI-related activities could generate up to 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually by the end of the decade, a level comparable to the current yearly emissions of the United Kingdom.
The study also identifies water consumption as a major emerging challenge. AI infrastructure, including data centres and computing facilities, could require around *9.3 trillion litres of water per year by 2030, equivalent to the domestic water needs of roughly *1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition, the land footprint of AI is expected to expand significantly. The report estimates that data centres, energy facilities, and related infrastructure supporting AI operations could occupy more than 14,500 square kilometres globally by the end of the decade.
UNU researchers warned that while the economic and technological benefits of AI are largely concentrated in a small number of countries, the environmental consequences are likely to be felt more acutely in other regions, particularly across parts of Asia where water scarcity, rising energy demand, and environmental pressures are already intensifying.
The report calls for greater transparency from technology companies regarding the environmental costs of AI systems, stronger regulatory oversight, and enhanced international cooperation to ensure that the future development of artificial intelligence remains environmentally sustainable.
Experts emphasize that without proactive planning and responsible resource management, the accelerating growth of AI could create significant challenges for global climate, water, and land-use goals in the years ahead.
By Anadolu Agency
