The impact of AI on the environment

Objective: The worksheet aims to raise learners' awareness of the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). It trains them to critically analyse the energy and resource consumption of data centres in order to develop strategies for the environmental sustainability of AI technology, particularly through the use of renewable energies.

Contents and methods: The worksheet begins with a warm-up on the learners' personal attitudes towards AI and climate change, followed by information about AI data centres in a selected country/city. Learners analyse advantages and environmental risks using text and cause-and-effect analyses. Methods such as group research, perspective changing and decision-making encourage reflection on sustainability and concrete measures for environmental responsibility.

Competencies:

Sustainability awareness: Understanding the ecological footprint of digital technologies (energy and resource consumption).
Critical analysis: Weighing technological advantages (climate research, smart farming) against environmental risks.
Problem solving: Developing concrete strategies to promote energy efficiency and the use of green energy sources for AI.
Understanding of roles: Making informed political decisions from an environmental policy perspective.

Target group and level: Years 8–10 (middle school)

ESD:

12: Responsible consumption and production patterns: This addresses the challenge of raw material extraction (rare earths) and the need for recycling and sustainable procurement.
13: Climate action: The text highlights the role of AI in reducing global emissions and in climate research.

50 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

8th-10th grade

Subjects

non-subject specific contentEthicsGeographyPoliticsSustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Preview

The impact of AI on the environment

Warm-up: What do you think?

Form groups of 3-4 people. Discuss briefly within your group and write down your thoughts:

When you think of "artificial intelligence", is it good or bad for the environment?
Should the use of AI be more strictly regulated to protect the environment?
Do you think AI will help slow down climate change in the future?

Write down the reasons here.

Assignment

Read the following text carefully and then work on the questions together in your group. Use your answers to complete the table.

The Impact of AI on the Environment in the USA

In the United States, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the environment is multifaceted, encompassing energy consumption, ecological effects, resource requirements, and socio-economic benefits. AI's energy consumption is substantial due to the extensive power requirements of data centers, which are proliferating to support AI model training and operations. These facilities consumed about 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2024, a figure expected to more than double by 2030 as data centers' electricity demand rises to exceed that of manufacturing energy-intensive goods. The majority of the energy powering these data centers comes from fossil fuels, including natural gas, which supplies over 40% of their electricity. However, renewables like wind and solar contribute about 24%, with nuclear power accounting for around 20%.

The environmental impact of AI is significant, with data centers contributing to increased CO2 emissions due to their reliance on fossil-fuel-based electricity. The water consumption for cooling these centers is also considerable, with projections indicating annual water use could reach up to 33 billion gallons by 2028. This strain on resources can exacerbate environmental challenges, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

AI infrastructure demands vast amounts of raw materials, including rare earth elements, copper, and lithium, essential for manufacturing high-performance computing hardware. The extraction and processing of these materials have environmental ramifications, often involving resource depletion and pollution. Additionally, the short lifecycle of AI hardware leads to electronic waste concerns, requiring careful disposal and recycling.

Despite these environmental challenges, AI offers substantial social and economic benefits. It drives innovation, increases productivity, and contributes to economic growth. AI is increasingly applied to address environmental issues, such as enhancing climate models, optimizing renewable energy systems, and improving agricultural sustainability. These applications showcase AI's potential to mitigate its ecological footprint while fostering advancements in various sectors.

Overall, while AI's expansion in the U.S. poses environmental challenges, its capacity to drive technological progress and address ecological issues underscores its transformative potential. Addressing energy efficiency and sustainability in AI development remains crucial to balancing technological growth with environmental stewardship.

Analyse the environmental consequences. Write down the causes and explain the effects on the environment.

Assignment

The text mentions large numbers and forecasts that are difficult to imagine. To make them easier to grasp, compare them with clear everyday examples by filling in the gaps (research or estimate).

Interactive group task: "AI-footprint"

Return to your groups. Each group chooses an AI application (e.g. chatbots, facial recognition, self-driving cars, AI in agriculture).

Task:

Briefly research how much energy or resources this application consumes.
Consider how it could be made more sustainable and create a poster or infographic.
Present your findings to the class in 3–4 minutes.

Use the information you have gathered to create a poster or infographic to help you with your presentation.

Reflection & Transfer

Within the group, each person selects one of the four role cards and completes the table from that person's perspective.

The key question is:

An international company is planning to build a new AI data centre. What opportunities, risks and interests arise from your role?

Business person

Name: Maxine Carter Role: Senior Executive at a multinational tech corporation Description: Maxine oversees the expansion of AI data centers globally, including the new project in the USA. Her focus is on maximizing profitability and market share, while balancing the need to adhere to local environmental laws and sustainability goals. What are Maxine's goals in building the data center? What personal values might be important to her, for example, economic success or sustainability? How does she respond to criticism from environmental groups?

AI Researcher

Name: Dr. Julian Smith Role: Lead AI Scientist at a research institute Description: Dr. Smith is dedicated to advancing AI technology with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. He believes in using AI to address climate change and enhance renewable energy systems. What are Dr. Smith's goals in building the data center? What personal values might be important to him, for example, scientific progress or environmental responsibility? How does he respond to concerns about AI's energy consumption?

Environmental Activist

Name: Emily Nguyen Role: Environmental Advocate at a non-profit organization Description: Emily campaigns for sustainable practices and environmental protection, particularly concerning new tech developments. She is concerned about the resource demands and carbon footprint of AI data centers. What are Emily's concerns about the data center? What personal values might be important to her, for example, environmental protection or social justice? How does she respond to arguments about economic benefits from AI expansion?

Citizen

Name: John Morales Role: Local Resident Description: John is a resident near the proposed site of the new AI data center. He is interested in the economic opportunities it might bring, but is also worried about potential environmental impacts. What are John's interests in the data center project? What personal values might be important to him, for example, community development or environmental health? How does he balance the prospects of job creation with environmental considerations?

Reflect

Which arguments or perspectives did you find most convincing during the role play, and why?

Consider ecological, economic and social aspects. Which position would you personally support, and what led you to this conclusion?

Which arguments or points of view did you find most convincing?

Solution for the teacher

Cause (What happens?)	Environmental Impact (What consequence?)
High energy consumption by data centers	Increased CO2 emissions
Water usage for cooling data centers	Strain on water resources
Demand for raw materials like rare earth elements	Resource depletion and pollution
Short lifecycle of AI hardware	Electronic waste concerns

Fact from the text	Everyday comparison (estimation/research)
Data centers consumed about 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2024	Equivalent to the annual electricity demand of the entire nation of Pakistan
Fossil fuels, including natural gas, supply over 40% of data centers' electricity	Comparable to the energy used by millions of households annually
Water consumption for cooling data centers could reach up to 33 billion gallons by 2028	Equivalent to the water used by millions of households annually
Renewables like wind and solar contribute about 24% of the electricity for data centers	Comparable to powering thousands of homes with green energy annually

Part of the Task	Question / Task	Your Answer
1. Decision	Should the data center be built?	✅ Yes ⬜ No ⬜ Only under conditions
2. Explanation	Explain your decision in 3–4 sentences.	The data center creates new jobs, supports digitalization, and increases data capacity. Environmental regulations must be followed to minimize negative impacts. Overall, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages if sustainable measures are implemented.
3. Advantage	Name one important advantage of the project.	Increase in computing power and creation of new jobs.
4. Disadvantage	Name one possible disadvantage of the project.	High energy consumption and potential environmental impacts.
5. Sustainability Idea	What measure could make the project more environmentally friendly?	Use of renewable energy, efficient cooling systems, and energy-saving servers.

Part of the Task	Question / Task	Your Answer
1. Decision	Should the data center be built?	✅ Yes ⬜ No ⬜ Only under conditions
2. Explanation	Explain your decision in 3–4 sentences.	Building the data center aligns with the goals of advancing AI technology and improving efficiency. Implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact is crucial. The benefits of enhanced AI capabilities and addressing climate change can outweigh the challenges.
3. Advantage	Name one important advantage of the project.	Advancement in AI technology and potential for addressing climate issues.
4. Disadvantage	Name one possible disadvantage of the project.	Significant energy consumption with potential environmental impacts.
5. Sustainability Idea	What measure could make the project more environmentally friendly?	Focus on AI technologies to optimize energy use and integrate renewable energy sources.

Part of the Task	Question / Task	Your Answer
1. Decision	Should the data center be built?	⬜ Yes ⬜ No ✅ Only under conditions
2. Explanation	Explain your decision in 3–4 sentences.	The data center's resource demands and carbon footprint are concerning. Building must only proceed if robust sustainability measures are in place. Economic benefits must not overshadow environmental protection and social justice.
3. Advantage	Name one important advantage of the project.	Economic growth and technological advancement.
4. Disadvantage	Name one possible disadvantage of the project.	Environmental degradation and high resource consumption.
5. Sustainability Idea	What measure could make the project more environmentally friendly?	Implement strict sustainability practices and offset carbon emissions.

Part of the Task	Question / Task	Your Answer
1. Decision	Should the data center be built?	✅ Yes ⬜ No ⬜ Only under conditions
2. Explanation	Explain your decision in 3–4 sentences.	Economic opportunities and job creation are important for the community. Environmental health must be considered, and sustainable practices implemented. The project can proceed with a focus on balancing development with environmental concerns.
3. Advantage	Name one important advantage of the project.	Job creation and economic growth.
4. Disadvantage	Name one possible disadvantage of the project.	Potential environmental degradation.
5. Sustainability Idea	What measure could make the project more environmentally friendly?	Invest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.