February 27, New Delhi — Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world. But a major question arises: Is the development of AI coming at the expense of the Earth?
AI is rapidly advancing, revolutionizing healthcare, agriculture, energy, and governance. However, this progress relies on significant energy consumption.
This is a major paradox: AI can help reduce emissions, yet the machines that power it consume enormous amounts of electricity. On one hand, a solution; on the other, a new crisis.
AI data centers are increasing electricity demand. Cooling systems are putting a strain on water resources. And the rapidly evolving Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) technology is contributing to increased e-waste.
At the AI Impact Summit 2026, held in India, experts from around the world made it clear: It is no longer enough to make promises; measurable assessments of AI's impact on the climate are essential.
The summit's core principle was: People, Planet, and Progress – meaning development that benefits both humans and the environment.
The concept of "Frugal AI" emerged as a solution: Smaller, more efficient models that consume less energy but deliver better performance.
The focus will now be on: Zero-carbon data centers, AI's role in enhancing clean energy, and transparency in AI's environmental impact.
A major decision was made at the summit: The Global AI Environmental Index, which will standardize the assessment of carbon, water, and e-waste.
The future of AI must be not only powerful, but also responsible and sustainable. Because the true purpose of technology is to make the Earth a better place.
Photo: AI Generated
AI is rapidly advancing, revolutionizing healthcare, agriculture, energy, and governance. However, this progress relies on significant energy consumption.
This is a major paradox: AI can help reduce emissions, yet the machines that power it consume enormous amounts of electricity. On one hand, a solution; on the other, a new crisis.
AI data centers are increasing electricity demand. Cooling systems are putting a strain on water resources. And the rapidly evolving Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) technology is contributing to increased e-waste.
At the AI Impact Summit 2026, held in India, experts from around the world made it clear: It is no longer enough to make promises; measurable assessments of AI's impact on the climate are essential.
The summit's core principle was: People, Planet, and Progress – meaning development that benefits both humans and the environment.
The concept of "Frugal AI" emerged as a solution: Smaller, more efficient models that consume less energy but deliver better performance.
The focus will now be on: Zero-carbon data centers, AI's role in enhancing clean energy, and transparency in AI's environmental impact.
A major decision was made at the summit: The Global AI Environmental Index, which will standardize the assessment of carbon, water, and e-waste.
The future of AI must be not only powerful, but also responsible and sustainable. Because the true purpose of technology is to make the Earth a better place.
Photo: AI Generated