In a recent study conducted by the Yale School of Environment, alarming findings regarding the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged, casting a shadow on its touted benefits. Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that AI's energy usage, particularly its consumption of water and electricity, poses a significant threat to the environment.

Jeremy Tamanini, founder of Dual Citizen, a platform specializing in sustainability, warns of dire consequences if AI's carbon footprint remains unchecked. He emphasizes that without regulation, AI's energy consumption could undermine global sustainability and emission reduction targets.

Of particular concern is the excessive water consumption associated with AI operations. The study highlights that maintaining AI systems requires large amounts of water, often sourced from freshwater reserves. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are reported to have consumed billions of liters of fresh water for cooling their data centers in 2022 alone, with a substantial increase projected in the future.

Dr. S Faizi, an ecologist and UN environmental negotiator, emphasizes the urgent need for public attention to the environmental impact of AI. Despite the growing concern, there remains a lack of comprehensive data on AI's overall environmental impact, hampering efforts to develop effective mitigation strategies.

However, initiatives for sustainable AI are on the horizon. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) are set to release international standards for sustainability in AI, aiming to provide clarity on AI's environmental footprint and guide informed decision-making.

Yet, skepticism persists regarding the adequacy of these efforts in addressing the looming environmental crisis. Dr. Faizi warns of the insufficiency of current measures to avert the detrimental effects of AI technology on the environment.

In light of these developments, stakeholders urge a reevaluation of policies and practices surrounding AI to ensure its compatibility with global sustainability goals. With the launch of initiatives like India's investment in AI infrastructure, the balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation remains a pressing concern on the global stage.