UN report warns AI data centres strain local water supplies and energy grids
By
Hannah Emma Shedden
Toasted golden, schmeared with insight. Top of the rack.
Summary
A UN report on the environmental impact of AI reveals that global data centres consumed an estimated 448 TWh of electricity in 2025, raising concerns about energy and water usage. The report emphasizes that local communities must be included in discussions about data centre development, as Scottish communities are rallying to object to planned facilities near them. The 56-page report, compiled by four leading scientists, also examines ethical concerns surrounding AI's environmental footprint.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIn 2025, global data centres were estimated to have used 448 TWh of electricity, and, if considered a country, they would have ranked an astoni...
Local communities must be included in discussions about data centres
Environmental Cost of AI's Energy Use
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