Will AI Cause a Global Water Crisis? Shocking New UN Warning.

A new report has raised serious concerns about the environmental impact of rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure, warning that AI data centres could place extreme pressure on global water and energy resources.

According to the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), the growth of AI technologies is driving massive investments in data centres worldwide. These facilities, which power large-scale AI systems, require vast amounts of electricity and water for cooling operations.

The report warns that by 2030, water consumption from AI-related data centres could reach approximately 9.3 trillion litres annually. This amount is comparable to the minimum yearly household water needs of around 1.3 billion people living in sub-Saharan Africa.

AI data centres rely heavily on water-based cooling systems, particularly in warmer regions, where continuous heat management is essential to maintain server performance. As a result, their environmental footprint is expanding alongside global demand for AI services.

In addition to water usage, the report highlights a sharp rise in electricity consumption. Global data centres are estimated to have used around 448 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2025 alone. By 2030, this figure could rise to 945 TWh, nearly three times the combined annual electricity consumption of countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.

The UNU-INWEH report also warns that AI infrastructure may contribute to local temperature increases. Data centres can raise surrounding land temperatures by an average of 2°C, creating so-called “heat island” effects that impact nearby communities. In extreme cases, temperature increases of up to 9°C have been recorded, affecting areas within several kilometres of large facilities.

Experts caution that while AI is transforming industries and economies, its rapid expansion could intensify environmental stress unless more sustainable energy and cooling solutions are developed.

The findings highlight the growing need for governments and technology companies to balance innovation with environmental responsibility as AI infrastructure continues to scale globally.