How much of an environmental menace is AI?

CNN examines the environmental impacts of AI data centers, whose electricity consumption surged 50% last year and could reach up to 12% of US electricity use by 2028, with effects on climate, water, noise, heat and minerals depending on location, power source and technology. Nearly 90% of Americans say they are more concerned than excited about AI data centers, per a September CNN/SSRS poll, while transparent data remains scarce and estimates vary widely. Experts say the harms are not locked in and will depend on choices about siting, power, regulation and transparency.