AI is changing the world but at what cost to the planet? This Earth Day, discover how channel partners can lead the charge in building sustainable, energy-efficient AI solutions that drive innovation without draining our resources.
This Earth Day, weâre reminded that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand. As artificial intelligence reshapes the world, the environmental footprint of AI and its energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water use should not be ignored. But hereâs the good news: channel partners have a unique opportunity to lead the charge toward sustainable AI by offering clients solutions that are both powerful and planet friendly.
The Environmental Cost Of AI
AI models may seem invisible, living in the cloud, but their physical impact is very real. In 2023, AI operations consumed approximately 4.5 gigawatts globally, accounting for about 8 percent of total data center power usage â a figure expected to rise to 20 percent by 2028 (Statista). Training large models can also produce significant COâ emissions, with projections of up to 500 million tons by 2035 if left unchecked (Columbia Climate School – State of the Planet).
Then thereâs the hidden water cost. Microsoftâs Iowa data centers used 11.5 million gallons of water in July 2022 alone to cool systems powering AI (AP News). These statistics paint a clear picture: AI isnât green by default, but it can be by design.
Companies Leading The Way
Several major tech players are taking this challenge seriously, offering sustainability blueprints that partners can learn from and leverage.
- Apple cut its climate pollution by 5 percent in 2024, or 800,000 metric tons, despite increasing industry emissions from AI growth. Over the past decade, theyâve slashed emissions by over 60 percent (The Verge).
- Google DeepMind used AI to reduce its data center cooling energy use by 40 percent (AI Magazine).
- Microsoft has doubled down on low-carbon building materials, energy-efficient AI systems, and water-conscious data center operations (Microsoft Blog).
These efforts donât just benefit the planet; they can also offer strategic advantages for partners helping clients meet sustainability goals.
Itâs not just about mitigating AIâs negative impact. Itâs also about using it to solve environmental problems.
- Blue River Technology (John Deere) uses AI to target weeds with precision, drastically cutting herbicide use in agriculture (AI Magazine).
- Xylem harnesses AI for water infrastructure monitoring, reducing loss and improving global water access.
- Carbon Engineering is leveraging AI to support large-scale carbon capture, directly removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
These technologies show how AI can work in harmony with the Earth when guided with intention.
Join The Movement: Global Efforts In Green AI
The Coalition for Sustainable AI, launched by the UN Environment Program, France, and ITU, now includes over 90 members with 37 companies among them (Sustainability Magazine). Organizations like the Radiant Earth Foundation are also creating open-source AI tools to help meet the UNâs Sustainable Development Goals (Radiant Earth Foundation – 2022).
Channel partners can take part in these global efforts while delivering customer value.
What Partners Can Do Now
- Promote energy-efficient solutions with transparent sustainability metrics.
- Encourage renewable energy transitions for AI and data operations.
- Offer sustainability audits to identify environmental impact and improvement areas (Forum One).
- Stay informed through partnerships with organizations like the Coalition for Sustainable AI.
Tech isnât inherently ethical or unethical; itâs shaped by the choices we make. This Earth Day, letâs push beyond green marketing and dig into the real, systemic ways we can build AI that honors both innovation and the planet. Channel partners and vendors alike have the tools, the influence, and with the rise of AI innovations the responsibility to leave the future better than we find the present.
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