Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Energy and the Environment
eesionline · 2025-09-26
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change in federal policy-making. While AI can aid in climate resilience and boost economic competitiveness, it is also on a trajectory to increase energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage. This paradox presents an important opportunity for discussion on how to best minimize the negative impacts of AI on the environment and harness its powers for a sustainable future.
eesionline. 2025-09-26. Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Energy and the Environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb_mUABsjrc (AI & Environment Resource Hub; record video-158; collection snapshot 2026-09-15).
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Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Climate and greenhouse gases; Water; Weather, hazards, and adaptation
This course will help you understand AI's climate implications and identify practical next steps within your organization. The course begins with demystifying the connection between AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), data centers, and energy and water demand. Then you will learn about AI's environmental footprint, the related environmental and community impacts, you will evaluate real-world applications of AI across climate adaptation, energy transition, and nature conservation, and understand the business and policy landscape shaping corporate decisions.
Coursera
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Climate and greenhouse gases; Water
This paper argues that AI's environmental impacts from energy consumption and water use to mineral extraction constitute a global climate justice concern that demands moving beyond efficiency metrics to center the unequal distribution of costs and benefits, particularly in the Global South.
AI and Ethics
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Climate and greenhouse gases; Water
AI’s rapid growth is driving an unprecedented surge in energy and water demand, raising serious environmental justice concerns, especially in marginalized communities, while sparking debate over whether climate benefits can outweigh the harms without stronger accountability and sustainable innovation.
Climate One
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Climate and greenhouse gases; Water
This paper projects that U.S. AI server expansion could generate up to 1,125 million m³ of annual water use and 44 Mt CO₂-equivalent emissions by 2030, making net-zero goals unlikely without major reliance on offsets. It highlights that while best practices could cut impacts substantially, real progress depends on faster grid decarbonization, improved infrastructure, and coordinated public–private action.
