The environmental cost of datacentres is rising. Is it time to quit AI? | AI (artificial intelligence)
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/13/ai-datacentres-environmental-impacts
Publish Date: 2026-03-13 19:02:00
Source Domain: www.theguardian.com
Here is a summary of the article highlighting the key points using an unordered list:
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Rapid Growth of Datacentres: The demand for datacentre power is increasing exponentially, growing four times faster than all other sectors, projected to exceed Japan’s total electricity use by 2030.
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Environmental Concerns: Generative AI models are significantly more energy-intensive compared to traditional computing, with estimates suggesting it could be five times or even more energy-demanding.
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Transparency Issues: Lack of openness from tech companies about the environmental impacts of AI and datacentres, including energy usage, water consumption, and emissions.
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Local and Global Impacts: The increase in datacentres impacts both local communities with noise and lighting, and global environments by significantly increasing CO2 emissions and water use.
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Consumer Involvement: While AI tools are increasingly embedded in daily life, consumers still have a role in shaping AI use through individual actions like opting out of unnecessary AI platforms or services.
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Community Resistance: Some communities are rising against datacentres proposed in their areas, advocating for responsible use of renewable energy and water conservation.
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Impact on Energy Transition: The influx of AI datacentres is forecasted to hinder the energy transition in Australia, increasing emissions and power costs.
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Collective Action: Opting out can be a form of resistance against the corrosive impacts of the AI industry, though challenges exist in the effectiveness of actions like the QuitGPT movement.
