Environmental Impact of Generative AI: Carbon and Water Footprint

Abstract

Generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, have measurable environmental impacts primarily from electricity consumption and freshwater usage at data centers. An individual AI query emits roughly 4.3 grams of CO₂ and uses around 10 milliliters of freshwater. In comparison to common everyday tasks, AI's carbon footprint is small, significantly lower than driving or showering but higher than simple digital activities like web browsing.
At scale, however, generative AI contributes notably to global energy and water demands. AI data centers consume tens of terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, with major companies reporting rapid increases in energy use due to expanding AI capabilities. Freshwater use at these centers is similarly substantial, reaching billions of gallons annually.
Though concerns regarding AI's environmental impacts are supported by data, significant mitigation is achievable through energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sourcing, and enhanced operational transparency.