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AI's Environmental Impact: Carbon Footprint and Water Use Soar

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Patterns estimates AI's 2025 carbon footprint could reach 32.6–79.7 million tons of CO2, like New York City's emissions.
The study projects AI water use could surpass 764.6 billion liters, exceeding global bottled water demand.
It notes hidden environmental costs of AI infrastructure driven by electricity generation.
Critics say the public bears the environmental costs of tech companies, and corporate reporting must be more transparent.

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Story summary

A study published in Patterns estimates AI's 2025 carbon footprint could reach 32.6–79.7 million tons of CO2, like New York City's emissions.
The study projects AI water use could surpass 764.6 billion liters, exceeding global bottled water demand.
It notes hidden environmental costs of AI infrastructure driven by electricity generation.
Critics say the public bears the environmental costs of tech companies, and corporate reporting must be more transparent.