Ethics and ecological footprint in AI

Artificial intelligence can drive sustainability by optimising processes, creating more efficient products and promoting responsible consumption. However, its high energy and water consumption poses significant environmental challenges. It is estimated that AI could consume up to 6.6 billion cubic metres of water by 2027.

Although bodies such as UNESCO promote sustainable AI practices, the European AI Regulation (2024/1689) does not address the environmental impact of these technologies, limiting it to risks to people. It is necessary to integrate the environmental variable into the regulation and to promote methodologies that measure the ecological footprint of AI, ensuring greater transparency and real sustainability.

Article written by Víctor Moralo, partner at ECIJA, in an article for Byte magazine.