International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research and Developmental Studies
E-ISSN: 2469-7811 • Impact Factor - 9.587

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES REGARDING AI

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) creates major environmental pressures through heavy energy demands, water depletion, raw material extraction, and electronic waste. [1, 2] High Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions • Massive Power Demand: Data centers powering AI models consume vast amounts of electricity. According to the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, data centers used about 1.5% of global electricity in 2024, a share projected to double by 2030. [1, 2] • Fossil Fuel Reliance: Many data centers draw power from local electrical grids still heavily dependent on coal and natural gas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions. [1, 2] • Corporate Targets: Tech companies like Microsoft have reported that the rapid expansion of AI has made it harder to hit their internal net-zero and carbon-reduction goals. [1]

Keywords: AI, environment, energy, power, carbon, climate

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