From tension to transformation: AI’s evolving environmental impact

AI is evolving from a niche domain into a general-purpose technology reshaping the global economy. This transformation is being powered by cheaper computation, abundant data, and rapid algorithmic advances. However, as AI scales, so does its demand for electricity, water, and essential infrastructure, creating tensions with local communities, environmental advocacy groups, and technology companies’ own climate targets. AI is therefore creating a paradox: it is simultaneously a major source of new energy demand and one of the most promising tools available to accelerate decarbonisation...