The United Nations has issued a warning about the growing environmental impact of artificial intelligence infrastructure, stating that water consumption by AI data centres could rise sharply in the coming years. According to a recent report, annual water demand from these facilities may reach 9.3 trillion litres by 2030.
The report noted that this amount of water is equivalent to the yearly needs of approximately 1.3 billion people. As the use of artificial intelligence continues to expand across industries, the number and size of data centres are also increasing, leading to greater demand for resources required to support their operations.
In addition to water consumption, the United Nations has projected a significant rise in electricity usage. The report estimates that power consumption by AI data centres could reach 945 terawatt-hours, reflecting the growing energy requirements of advanced computing systems.
The findings have drawn attention to the environmental challenges associated with rapid technological growth. Experts and policymakers are increasingly examining ways to improve efficiency and reduce the resource demands of digital infrastructure.
The report highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement with sustainable resource management, ensuring that future innovation can progress alongside responsible environmental practices.
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