UN Report: Data Center Energy Use and Pollution Rival National Levels (pbs.org)

• Data centers consumed 448 TWh in 2025, projected to double to 935 TWh by 2030.
• CO2 emissions in 2025 matched Argentina's total; water use was 1.2 trillion gallons.
• AI drives growth: 20% of current data center energy, rising to 40% by 2030.
• Operational AI requests consume 90% of energy; shorter queries can cut use by 25%.

"A United Nations University report finds that global data centers consumed 448 TWh of electricity in 2025, more than all but 10 countries, producing CO2 equivalent to Argentina's. Projections show doubling by 2030 to 935 TWh, driven largely by AI. The report highlights water consumption and environmental justice concerns."