A new poll by AP‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago reveals that nearly four in ten Americans describe themselves as “extremely” or “very” concerned about the environmental consequences of artificial intelligence. This concern is greater than the worry many expressed for industries long considered major climate drivers, such as cryptocurrency mining, livestock production, and air travel.
The poll underscores how rising demand for AI is fueling a surge in large data-centres and computational infrastructure, which rely heavily on electricity (often from fossil fuels) and substantial water supplies for cooling. These resource demands raise worries that AI’s expansion may contribute significantly to greenhouse-gas emissions and strain local water systems, especially as more jurisdictions host massive server farms or “AI factories.”
Interestingly, the survey also touches on Americans’ mixed feelings about AI’s overall legacy: while some believe AI might accelerate solutions to climate or labor issues, a majority anticipate that its net impact on the environment, economy, and society will be negative. Political affiliation plays a role too: Democrats are more likely than Republicans to report high levels of concern.
The findings suggest that as AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, public expectations may demand more transparency and accountability regarding its environmental footprint. They also signal a potential shift in how tech companies and policymakers must frame AI deployment – not just in terms of compute, capabilities, or ethics, but also sustainability and resource-use.
