support these applications is expected to increase. Projections indicate that by 2028, data centers could account for up to 12 percent of the United States’ annual electricity consumption. This surge in energy consumption could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming and hindering efforts to combat climate change.
Furthermore, the expansion of data centers to support AI growth has led to increased water consumption for cooling purposes, adding another layer of environmental concern. The cumulative effect of these factors points to the urgent need to address the ecological impact of AI technologies.
In Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia— dubbed“ Data Center Alley” due to its exceptionally high concentration of data centers, forming a significant hub for global internet traffic— water usage increased by nearly 63 percent between 2019 and 2023, primarily driven by the growth of AI-driven infrastructure. Similar concerns have been raised in Chile, where community opposition led Google to abandon water-based cooling at its Santiago facility in favor of more sustainable alternatives.
Tania Rodriguez, a community leader in Santiago, said,“ We’ re not against technology. But we cannot allow AI to grow at the cost of our water and future.”
Steps Toward Sustainable AI
Addressing the environmental challenges posed by AI necessitates a