According to a recent report on Phys.org Earth Sciences, the growing demand for artificial intelligence is projected to have a significant environmental impact. By 2030, global data centers powering AI are expected to consume 945 terawatt-hours of electricity, nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This increased energy consumption will lead to a substantial water footprint, equivalent to the basic annual domestic water needs of 1.3 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa. The land footprint will also exceed 14,500 square kilometers, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the tech industry. As the mining and exploration industry shifts towards more digitalized operations, it is essential to consider the environmental implications of emerging technologies and invest in renewable energy sources to power our operations, such as those used in copper and zinc exploration in Norway.

AI's Environmental Impact