By Lihle Kudakwashe Matika, Global Logistics student, 24 April 2026
Artificial Intelligence is basically everywhere now. Whether it’s recommending what to watch, helping with homework, or even writing things like this, it feels like AI is making life a lot easier. I use it myself, so I get why people rely on it. But at the same time, I don’t think many of us actually stop and think about what’s going on behind the scenes. The truth is, AI isn’t as harmless as it seems, and it’s starting to have a real impact on the environment.
One of the main issues is how much energy AI uses. Training AI systems takes a huge amount of computing power, and all of that runs in massive data centres that never switch off. These centres need constant electricity, and a lot of that energy still comes from fossil fuels. So even though using AI feels simple, there’s a bigger environmental cost in the background. It’s not something we see, which is probably why most people don’t think about it.
There’s also the issue of data storage. Every time we send messages, upload photos, or use AI tools, that data has to be stored somewhere. Those data centres don’t just use electricity, they also need cooling systems to stop them overheating, and that can use a lot of water. The more we rely on technology, the more pressure we put on these systems, and that’s only going to increase over time.
What I find most concerning is how unfair the impact is. A lot of the materials needed to build this technology, like rare earth metals, come from countries in the Global South. Mining for these can damage the environment and often involves poor working conditions. At the same time, these same regions are already dealing with some of the worst effects of climate change, like extreme weather and food shortages. So while countries like the UK benefit from AI, other parts of the world are dealing with the consequences.
That said, AI isn’t completely negative. If it’s used properly, it can actually help solve environmental problems. For example, it can be used to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and even predict natural disasters. So the problem isn’t really AI itself, it’s more about how we choose to use it.
Going forward, I think there needs to be more awareness. Big tech companies should take more responsibility by using renewable energy and making their systems more efficient. Governments could also introduce rules to make sure companies are being more sustainable. Even as individuals, we can make small changes, like being more aware of how much we use these tools and not storing unnecessary data.
In the end, AI is powerful and useful, but it’s not free. There’s a hidden environmental cost that a lot of people don’t see. If we want technology to keep improving without damaging the planet, we need to start thinking more carefully about the choices we make now.
