Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centers rival most countries A United Nations University report indicates that the environmental footprint of data centers is comparable to that of major countries. This impact is projected to double within four years due to the increasing use of artificial intelligence. The report specifically forecasts a doubling of water and energy consumption, as well as pollution levels.

• Data centers’ environmental footprint rivals that of some of the world’s largest countries.
• Water and energy use by data centers are predicted to double in four years.
• Pollution from data centers is also predicted to double in four years.
• The growth of artificial intelligence is a key driver for this increased environmental impact.