More than 100 organizations, including Amnesty International and the AI Now Institute, have signed an open letter urging AI companies and regulators to address the industry’s growing environmental impact.
The letter highlights increasing evidence that AI systems are driving up emissions, straining electric grids, and depleting resources like water and land. It argues that AI cannot be considered a climate-friendly solution if it continues to rely on fossil fuels and calls for AI infrastructure, such as data centers, to transition to cleaner energy sources.
The letter points out that the rising demand for AI is pushing power infrastructure to its limits, with data centers consuming increasing amounts of electricity. Citing the International Energy Agency, it warns that global data center energy consumption could double to over 1,000 terawatt-hours by 2026—comparable to Japan’s annual electricity use.
This growing demand is prolonging dependence on fossil fuels, which negatively impact both the environment and public health. The organizations also stress the importance of transparency, urging tech companies to disclose AI’s environmental footprint across its lifecycle.
Beyond energy consumption, the letter raises concerns about the massive amounts of water required to cool AI infrastructure and maintain safe operating conditions. A study estimates that if just 10% of U.S. residents used OpenAI’s ChatGPT once a week, it would consume over 435 million liters of water annually.
The signatories argue that governments and tech companies must take responsibility for ensuring AI development does not harm vulnerable communities most affected by climate change.
Despite these calls for action, the U.S. government appears focused on rapid AI expansion. President Donald Trump has pledged to fast-track energy approvals for new data centers, including those relying on coal. He has promised to ease environmental regulations for companies investing over $1 billion. While AI continues to advance, concerns over its environmental impact remain largely unaddressed.
