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Do you remember when artificial intelligence began to fascinate us with its technological prowess? At the time, few of us were aware of the colossal resources it required. Today, we are beginning to realize the magnitude of the ecological challenges associated with these innovations. But how far is AI willing to go to quench its energy thirst?
The 3 key facts not to miss
Since the emergence of ChatGPT in 2022, artificial intelligence has captured our attention without us immediately realizing its environmental impact. Presented as a software advancement, this technology actually relies on energy-intensive infrastructures. Today, the water consumption by AI systems is staggering, reaching levels comparable to the entire bottled water consumed annually on the planet.
AI systems, in 2025, absorbed nearly 23 GW of electric power, an amount similar to the total consumption of the UK. This energy need generates considerable CO2 emissions, estimated between 32.6 and 79.7 million tons for the year, even exceeding those of the New York metropolitan area.
Industry giants, such as Google and Meta, do not publish transparent figures regarding AI’s water and energy usage. This opacity prevents an accurate assessment of the environmental impact of their technologies. For example, Google does not account for the water used by power plants necessary for the operation of its models, justifying it by the fact that they do not directly control these facilities.
Alex de Vries, an expert in the environmental impact of digital technologies, emphasizes that only government intervention could force these companies to disclose their actual consumption data. However, such an initiative faces the current economic principles where technological growth is prioritized, even at the expense of the environment.
Since its beginnings in the 1950s, artificial intelligence has evolved to become an essential pillar of technological innovation. Initially limited to academic environments, it gradually integrated commercial and industrial sectors, transforming fields such as healthcare, automotive, and financial services. Recent advances, particularly in natural language processing and machine learning, have radically changed how businesses and consumers interact with technology. However, this rapid growth comes with environmental challenges that require urgent attention and responsible management.