The ‘unprecedented surge’ in AI adoption comes with increased associated energy, water, and natural resource demands, but can also empower innovators to better tackle global challenges at ‘unprecedented speed and scale’, Salesforce has said in a new report.
In its AI Sustainability Outlook – The Challenges, Potential, and Path Forward report, Salesforce noted that since 2010, the computing power required for AI has been growing at around 4.7 times per year, adding that by 2030, electricity consumption from data centres could reach 3% of global electricity consumption.
Water consumption – used for cooling data centres and electricity generation – is another environmental sticking point, Salesforce noted. By 2027, the AI boom could require four to six times the annual fresh water withdrawal of Denmark, it said. Elsewhere, the mining and refining of minerals necessary for the manufacturing of AI hardware, such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, can result in environmental and social impacts.
‘A powerful tool’
However, at the same time, AI can be a ‘powerful tool for sustainability‘, Salesforce noted, enabling improved energy efficiency, emissions reduction, better water use, and enhanced environmental conservation projects.
Salesforce cites the use of AI in conservation efforts such as WWF’s ManglarIA project, which monitors mangrove ecosystems, as well WeaveGrid, part of the Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund, which seeks to better integrate electric vehicles with power grids.
As the IEA recently noted, the broad application of existing AI technologies could reduce global energy-related emissions by about 5% by 2035.
‘Profound’ potential
“The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform our world is profound, but it also presents critical challenges,” commented Sunya Norman, senior vice president, Impact, Salesforce. “As AI scales, so has its environmental footprint — with potential impacts on energy, water, and other natural resources. […] Every company, especially technology companies, must be intentional about the choices we make now to shape our future.
“As an agentic AI leader, trusted, reliable, and sustainable AI is not just a priority for Salesforce – it’s an imperative.” Read the full report here.
