University of California, Riverside

Scientists Flag Ecological Cost of AI Data Centers as Power, Water Use Rise

Scientists warn AI data centers consume large amounts of power, water and equipment, with impacts varying by location, energy source and cooling, and limited public data. Our World in Data estimates AI-dedicated data centers used about 0.5% of global electricity in 2025, possibly 1.5% by 2030; some on-site gas turbines emit nitrogen oxides and particulates.