Environmental impact of the growing use of AI

Bazán L.; Uceda P. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1909

Resumen

The evolution of the use of AI is signaling a before and after in the inclusion of technologies, and it is still difficult to predict the immediate future, as it has become an essential instrument for scientific challenges; it is noted that it is necessary to create sustainable technological solutions with environmentally friendly indicators, since AI has been generating an impact in the environmental sphere. The objective of this research was to describe the environmental impact of the growing use of AI, considering the different effects on natural resources and determining some preventive or corrective actions to minimize the impact of this discipline. An exploratory approach of the descriptive level was considered, with a non-experimental design. It was concluded that energy consumption, water footprint, electronic waste and the use of minerals are the main impact factors. The research reveals that the AI industry is heading towards an energy crisis, with an exponential increase in electricity demand that could outstrip supply capacity in the coming years. It is important to raise awareness in society about the environmental impact of AI and promote education on sustainable practices in the use of this technology.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte