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The expansion of artificial intelligence requires water and energy on an unprecedented scale.
The acceleration of artificial intelligence is generating an environmental challenge that goes beyond servers: data centers consume so much energy that they need advanced cooling systems, chilled water in pipes, and continuous air conditioning to function. The problem is that this consumption grows exponentially as more tech companies expand their operations.
According to a report by Jornal Nacional, the energy consumption of these centers is so intense that the chips overheat during processing. Christopher Wellise, vice president of sustainability at Equinix, explained that removing this heat requires heavy infrastructure: in addition to robust air conditioning, there are piping systems with cold water that circulates through the computers and is then discarded heated.
Numbers and global impact
Brazil is among the countries that use artificial intelligence the most, according to data from January 2025. Meta, for example, will invest up to US$$ 65 billion in data centers and AI in 2025 — an indication of how heavily the industry is betting on this infrastructure.
The environmental issue gained even more relevance during COP30. President Lula highlighted the importance of technology transfer and capacity building for adaptation to the effects of climate change, acknowledging that technology is both part of the solution and part of the problem.
Renewable energies under scrutiny.
Technology companies are signing long-term contracts with renewable energy suppliers to offset their consumption. However, there is a political obstacle: the Trump administration ordered a halt to new solar and wind energy projects in the US, which directly impacts the availability of clean energy sources that these giants need for their operations.
Meanwhile, Brazil is preparing for a significant increase in information technology investments in 2026, with companies prioritizing operational efficiency and digital transformation — a move that will also demand energy and water resources.
Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash
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