A new United Nations report has raised concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. The international body cautioned that the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centers could dramatically increase global demand for water, electricity, and land resources by the end of the decade.
The report, published by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, estimates that global data centers could consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity annually by 2030, more than double current levels. Researchers also project water consumption could reach 9.3 trillion liters a year, an amount comparable to the annual needs of approximately 1.3 billion people.
According to the study, data centers consumed about 448 terawatt-hours of electricity and 4.5 trillion liters of water globally in 2025. AI workloads accounted for roughly one-fifth of that electricity demand, a share expected to grow significantly as companies expand generative AI services and large language models.
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Researchers emphasized that AI should not be viewed solely as software. The technology depends on a vast physical infrastructure that includes data centers, power generation systems, cooling networks, semiconductor manufacturing, land, and water resources.
Beyond energy and water use, the report warned that AI-driven expansion could increase carbon emissions, electronic waste, and land-use pressures. Carbon emissions associated with data centers could approach 400 million metric tons annually by 2030 if current growth trends continue.
The findings arrive as technology companies race to build new AI infrastructure. Major firms including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, and Meta have announced multibillion-dollar investments in data centers to support growing demand for AI products and services.
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In response to mounting criticism, some companies have begun introducing water-replenishment programs, alternative cooling technologies, and sustainability commitments. Google recently pledged additional investments in water conservation projects and promised greater transparency around data-center water usage.
UN researchers urged governments to adopt stronger transparency standards and sustainability policies, arguing that the environmental footprint of AI must become part of public policy discussions as the technology becomes increasingly central to the global economy.