AI carbon footprint

 From Nature Nov 2025 sustainability 

The rapidly increasing demand for generative artificial intelligence (AI) models requires extensive server installation with sustainability implications in terms of the compound energy–water–climate impacts. Here we show that the deployment of AI servers across the United States could generate an annual water footprint ranging from 731 to 1,125 million m3 and additional annual carbon emissions from 24 to 44 Mt CO2-equivalent between 2024 and 2030, depending on the scale of expansion. Other factors, such as industry efficiency initiatives, grid decarbonization rates and the spatial distribution of server locations within the United States, drive deep uncertainties in the estimated water and carbon footprints. We show that the AI server industry is unlikely to meet its net-zero aspirations by 2030 without substantial reliance on highly uncertain carbon offset and water restoration mechanisms. Although best practices may reduce emissions and water footprints by up to 73% and 86%, respectively, their effectiveness is constrained by current energy infrastructure limitations. These findings underscore the urgency of accelerating the energy transition and point to the need for AI companies to harness the clean energy potential of Midwestern states. Coordinating efforts of private actors and regulatory interventions would ensure the competitive and sustainable development of the AI sector.

Devera AI

Global data centre electricity use is expected to reach 945 TWh by 2030, up from 415 TWh in 2024. A large share of this growth comes from the rising demand for AI inference, especially from generative models. Estimates suggest that AI alone may account for 652 TWh (69%) by 2030, nearly an 80-fold jump from 2024 levels.

Earth911

Only two companies have disclosed specific per-query energy figures. In June 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that an average ChatGPT query uses about 0.34 watt-hours of electricity. In August 2025, Google published a detailed methodology showing the median Gemini text prompt consumes about 0.24 watt-hours and produces 0.03 grams of CO₂e. No other company in this guide has published comparable data.

Major consumption is on one time training, ballpark figure ~ 0.5 to 1 million USD, ~ 1 million kwh

Reference 

Guardian 

News cornell

Bythenumbers

Devera ai

Earth911

Jason riddell ( data may be outdated)