Artificial intelligence data centres could soon rival the carbon footprint of a small European country, a new study warns.
The research estimates AI systems could emit between 32.6 and 79.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2025.
That range places AI emissions close to New York City’s total output, recorded at 52.2 million tonnes in 2023.
At the lower end, emissions would also match Norway’s national total, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Rising energy demand
Data centres power cloud services, video streaming, and AI tools that millions of people use daily.
These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity and generate heat that requires constant cooling.
As AI expands rapidly, demand for energy and cooling water has surged across the technology sector.
The study says AI could use as much water as the global bottled water industry this year.
That equals between 312 and 764 billion litres of water worldwide.
Hidden water costs
Water use includes direct cooling and indirect consumption from electricity generation.
Indirect water use can be four times higher, yet companies rarely disclose this information.
Researchers say this lack of transparency limits accurate environmental assessments.
Europe’s cleaner edge
Europe hosts about 15 per cent of global data centres, second only to the United States.
European power grids are cleaner, producing far less carbon per unit of electricity.
This gives Europe a lower carbon footprint for each data centre operation.
Calls for transparency
The study reviewed reports from major firms including Amazon, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
None provided AI-specific environmental data, despite linking rising energy use to AI growth.
Researchers are urging new rules forcing clearer reporting on emissions, locations, and water use.
They warn that AI’s environmental impact will keep growing without stronger oversight.
