AI Development Poses Health and Resource Threats
The rapid advancement of AI and the expansion of data centers are causing significant environmental impacts, threatening human health and access to natural resources.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing demand for data centers are creating substantial environmental challenges, posing risks to human health and the availability of natural resources globally.
A report by the United Nations University indicates that AI could jeopardize access to natural resources for billions of people. By 2030, the water consumption of AI data centers is projected to match the needs of 1.3 billion individuals. Furthermore, their energy requirements will triple the combined annual electricity usage of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. A significant portion of these data centers rely on fossil fuels, a primary driver of greenhouse gas emissions.
"In the absence of standards, the climate, health, and environmental impacts of AI data centers are already being observed, with stark and alarming projections should data center growth continue unmitigated," stated Maria Fernanda Chavez, senior analyst for the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. She warned that "irresponsible management of AI development could spike emissions and push climate goals out of reach."
Major technology companies, including Google and Microsoft, have reported increases in their corporate emissions as they invest heavily in AI. Microsoft's emissions rose by 25% in 2025 due to the expansion of its AI data centers. To meet the escalating electricity demands, new gas power infrastructure is being developed, leading to localized air pollution. This pollution is linked to premature deaths and asthma attacks, particularly affecting children in nearby communities.
Beyond AI safety regulations, experts emphasize the need for regulations addressing these health impacts. Environmental health scientist Michael Cork highlighted that "the issue of air pollution is largely being left out of decisions about where and how [data center] infrastructure gets built." He stressed that the choices made regarding powering AI have "measurable health consequences today."