As artificial intelligence continues to penetrate various sectors of our global economy, a coalition of over 100 organizations has raised alarms regarding the technology’s detrimental environmental impacts. Just days before a high-profile AI conference in Paris, this open letter highlights urgent concerns from leading advocacy groups, including Amnesty International and the AI Now Institute, emphasizing the environmental cost of advancing AI infrastructure. The increasing acknowledgment of AI’s carbon footprint and resource depletion calls for immediate regulatory and industry responses.
The letter outlines a growing body of evidence indicating that AI systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This realization comes at a time when investments in AI are surging, with little regard for the associated environmental repercussions. AI, in its current form, extracts a heavy toll on the planet, as evinced by its burgeoning energy demands. As the signatories put it, “AI can never be a ‘climate solution’ if it runs on fossil fuels.”
The electricity consumption of global data centers is projected to double in the coming years, potentially surpassing Japan’s annual electricity usage. This exponential growth strains power infrastructures and prolongs reliance on fossil fuels. The pressure on electric grids forced some utilities to revert to coal and other non-renewable energy sources to meet the surging demand for AI services. Such practices not only degrade air quality but also pose serious public health risks in vulnerable regions—problems that can’t be overlooked as the world grapples with climate change.
Beyond electricity, the water and land resources required for data centers exacerbate the environmental crisis. These colossal facilities need substantial water supplies for cooling systems and humidity control, which raises concerns about water resource management, especially in drought-stricken areas. Estimates suggest that if a significant portion of the U.S. population used AI applications like ChatGPT at regular intervals, the water demand could skyrocket to over 435 million liters weekly.
The signatories of the letter call for an urgent reassessment of how we approach AI development. Their demands include transitioning data centers to operate without fossil fuels and ensuring that any new facilities do not unduly deplete local water and land resources. This proactive stance not only aims to mitigate potential damage but also advocates for transparency regarding AI’s environmental impacts throughout its entire lifecycle.
The consequences of unchecked AI advancement are felt most acutely by communities that are already vulnerable to climate change. These groups often lack a voice in technological discussions and face disproportionate risks from environmental degradation linked to AI infrastructure investments. The call to elevate the perspectives of affected communities is a crucial component of the ongoing discourse surrounding AI and environmental justice.
The letter urges stakeholders to shift their view of technological advancement from being inherently positive or limitless to one that prioritizes sustainable practices and societal benefits. Acknowledging the relationship between AI development and environmental stewardship is crucial not only for mitigating risks but also for fostering a more equitable technological landscape.
While advocates for future AI advancements push for growth, as demonstrated by U.S. leadership embracing development “at any cost,” the reality is that this approach is unsustainable. With actions like fast-tracking the approval of coal power plants to support AI data centers, policymakers must grapple with the long-term ramifications of such decisions.
The open letter represents a pivotal moment for industry leaders and regulators to take responsibility and view AI through the lens of sustainability. Striking a balance between technological innovation and environmental preservation is essential for ensuring that AI can serve as a viable solution to society’s challenges rather than as a contributor to its problems. The time for action, dialogue, and reform is now, lest we allow our pursuit of progress to jeopardize the future of our planet.