A recent United Nations University report warns that the rapid expansion of AI data centers is driving a surge in resource consumption. By 2030, global data center power use could reach 945 TWh, with AI workloads accounting for 40% of that demand. The report highlights a critical trade-off between carbon reduction and water usage. While some low-carbon energy shifts reduce CO2, they may increase the water footprint for cooling and electricity production, potentially consuming 9.3 trillion litres of water annually by 2030.
