AI is everywhere, but its powerful computing comes with a steep cost to our planet, our neighborhoods and our wallets. 

AI servers are so energy-hungry that utilities are keeping coal-fired plants s l ated for closure running just to meet demand. In the South alone, plans call for 20 gigawatts of new natural gas power plants over the next 15 years — enough to power millions of homes — just to feed AI’s insatiable appetite for energy. 

Multibillion-dollar companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta, which previously pledged to rely on 100% renewable energy, are going back to the Jurassic Age, relying on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to feed their massive servers. Even nuclear plants are being reactivated to meet energy demands. Carbon emissions from major tech companies in 2023 skyrocketed to 150% of average 2020 levels. 

AI data centers also produce massive noise pollution and consume huge amounts of water. Residents near data centers say the noise keeps them awake at night, and their taps are running dry. 

Many communities already struggling with limited economic investment, scarce access to basic resources and high pollution levels are bearing the brunt of these impacts. In some states, including Virginia, the number of data centers is among the highest in the country. 

To add insult to injury, amid stagnant wages and rising costs for food, housing and utilities, AI’s demand for power is also driving up electric rates nationwide. Utilities must build new infrastructure to meet soaring energy demand, and the costs are passed to all customers. 

A recent Carnegie Mellon study projects that AI data centers could increase electric rates by 25% in Northern Virginia by 2030. NPR recently reported that AI data centers were a key driver in electricity rates rising twice as fast as the cost of living nationwide, at a time when one in six households is struggling to pay energy bills. 

All of these impacts are projected to grow. AI already consumes enough electricity to power 7 million American homes. By 2028, that could jump to meet the needs of 22% of all U.S. households. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. AI could be powered by renewable energy that is nonpolluting and could help reduce costs for all of us. The leading AI companies, which have made climate pledges in the past, must lead the way. 

Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta have promised to tackle climate change and pollution and have made significant investments in renewable energy. These investments make sense, since renewables are often the most affordable source of electricity. These companies have the know-how and the wealth to power AI with wind, solar and batteries — which makes it all the more puzzling that they’re relying on fossil fuels. 

If these corporate giants are to be good neighbors, they must be transparent about the scope of the problem and the solutions needed. As they invest billions in AI technology, they must also reinvest in renewable energy, ensure communities have a real voice in how and where data centers are built, and make certain neighborhoods aren’t sacrificed in the name of profit. 

Dan HowellsHowells is climate campaigns director at Green America. 

Todd Larsen 

Larsen is executive co-director of Green America. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.