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The advancement of artificial intelligence is generating growing concern about its environmental impacts. In June 2026, organizations linked to the United Nations (UN) warned about the increase in energy, water, and natural resource consumption associated with the expansion of technology.
Furthermore, the entity advocates that companies in the sector disclose more transparently the environmental effects of their systems. The proposal includes information on carbon emissions, water consumption, and the use of physical infrastructure.
Data centers are at the center of the discussion
A large part of the concerns involve data centers. These structures are responsible for processing and storing the data used by artificial intelligence systems.
According to analyses by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), the energy demand of AI is growing rapidly. Projections indicate that electricity consumption linked to technology could double by 2030.
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In this scenario, artificial intelligence could account for about 3% of all electricity consumed worldwide.
Moreover, the expansion of data centers requires new equipment, servers, and cooling systems. As a consequence, the pressure on natural resources tends to increase.
Water consumption concerns researchers
The report also highlights the impact of AI on water resources.
Data centers need cooling systems to prevent server overheating. Therefore, they use large amounts of water daily.
Estimates cited in the study indicate that by 2030, the water demand associated with artificial intelligence could reach a volume similar to the annual consumption of approximately 1.3 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Another point of concern involves the location of these structures. Many data centers are being installed in regions already facing water scarcity.
Because of this, experts warn of potential conflicts related to the use of this resource.
Carbon emissions are also expected to grow
Greenhouse gas emissions represent another challenge.
According to the projections presented in the report, the global infrastructure linked to artificial intelligence could generate around 400 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by the end of the decade.
This volume is similar to the annual emissions recorded by large industrialized countries, such as the United Kingdom.
Researchers note that the impact varies according to each country’s energy matrix. Regions that rely more on fossil fuels tend to have a larger environmental footprint.
UN calls for more transparency from companies
In light of this scenario, the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, advocated for clearer rules for the sector.
During the London Climate Action Week, held in June 2026, Guterres stated that artificial intelligence companies should disclose detailed information about their environmental impacts.
The data cited includes carbon emissions, water consumption, energy demand, and physical area occupation.
Furthermore, the UN advocates that large data centers increasingly use renewable energy sources. The goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels before 2030.
Technology benefits continue to be recognized
Despite the warnings, the report does not question the benefits of artificial intelligence.
Researchers highlight important applications in areas such as medicine, education, agriculture, and climate forecasting.
The aim of the discussion is to ensure that the development of technology occurs sustainably.
Moreover, the document points out that advances in energy efficiency can reduce some of the projected impacts for the coming years.
The increasing use of renewable energy also appears as one of the main solutions.
Debate is expected to gain momentum
The concern arises at a time of rapid expansion of generative artificial intelligence.
Text, image, and video tools are already used by millions of people daily. As a result, the need to discuss the environmental costs of this infrastructure is also growing.
Therefore, experts believe that digital sustainability will become one of the central themes of the next decade.
The challenge will be to balance the economic and technological benefits of artificial intelligence with the reduction of its environmental impacts.
