The United Nations asked AI to disclose its emissions. AI generated a 14-page apology, three infographics, and a haiku. The haiku alone drank a swimming pool.
By 2030, the report says, AI will eat 3% of global electricity, match the UK's emissions, and out-drink the planet's thirst. Last year data centers already matched Saudi Arabia. Offsetting it needs 6.7 billion trees. We have, give or take, fewer.
William Stanley Jevons called this in 1865. Nobody listened. He's dead. Lucky guy.
The UN recommends transparency, equity, lifecycle responsibility. Australia and New Zealand have AI strategies with no environmental disclosure requirement. The chatbot drafting their next one is on its fourth glass of water.
Based on the original article "AI could consume up 3% of world's electricity the UN warns".
