UN warns AI could consume 3% of global electricity and exceed water needs

A United Nations report highlights growing concerns over artificial intelligence’s resource demands. The study warns that AI could soon account for roughly three percent of global electricity consumption. It also projects that AI’s water usage may surpass the amount humans drink each year. The report links these projections to the rapid expansion of data centers and AI training workloads. Researchers caution that unchecked growth could strain energy grids and water supplies. The UN calls for coordinated policy measures to improve AI efficiency and sustainability. Stakeholders are urged to adopt greener hardware and renewable power sources. Monitoring AI’s environmental footprint will become a priority for international regulators.