AI Systems Generate Up to 80 Million Tons of Carbon Emissions Annually, Matching NYC's Total Output

AI systems now generate up to 80 million tons of carbon emissions annually, matching New York City's entire output, while consuming hundreds of billions of liters of water equivalent to global bottled water usage as tech companies resist transparency about their environmental impact.

• AI systems consume between 32.6 and 79.7 million tons of carbon emissions annually in 2025, comparable to New York City's total emissions
• AI water consumption reaches between 312.5 and 764.6 billion liters this year, equivalent to global bottled water consumption
• Tech companies lack transparency in reporting AI-specific resource usage, making accurate environmental impact assessments difficult despite growing local opposition to data centers