United Nations University - Institute for Water, Environment and Health

Beyond AI’s surging energy use: UN details escalating water, land, and CO2 emission consequences

A new UN report details the environmental costs of artificial intelligence, including its burgeoning electricity use, carbon emissions, water footprint, and land occupation. The investigation finds that AI's expansion involves significant energy consumption, leading to substantial CO2, water, and land footprints.

SourceUnited Nations University - Institute for Water, Environment and Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 3, 2026

UN: Trapped sediment robbing world’s large dams of vital water storage capacity; ~26% loss by 2050 foreseen

The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.

SourceUnited Nations University - Institute for Water, Environment and Health·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2023