AI Environmental Impact: How Data Centers Are Raising Power Demand
Where are America’s data centers—and what do they use to power AI?
Updated November 2025 to reflect new data-center research, a new PBS NewsHour video, and revised discussion questions.
Teacher Note: This TNTL is flexible. You don’t need to use every section — choose the parts that fit your class period or learning goals. The discussion questions and media literacy prompts work well on their own.
What if the very technologies shaping our future are also threatening the planet's energy resources?
Artificial intelligence relies on large data centers that run AI models constantly. These facilities use significant amounts of electricity, and global data-center energy demand is expected to keep rising as AI expands, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Because most U.S. electricity still comes from fossil fuels (see the U.S. Energy Information Administration), growing electricity use often leads to higher emissions. This lesson examines the environmental impact of AI, how data centers affect local power grids, and how governments and companies are responding.
Key Terms
- Data Center: A building that houses computing and storage equipment.
- Grid Capacity: How much electricity a region’s power system can produce and deliver.
- Emissions: Pollution and greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
- Renewable Energy: Energy from natural sources like wind or solar that replenish quickly.
- Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas—major sources of emissions.
- Public Health Impacts: Health effects caused by environmental changes, such as polluted air.
- Clean-Energy Purchasing: When companies buy renewable energy or credits to offset their use.
Discussion Questions
- Why does the video say AI data centers use so much electricity?
- What connection does the video make between AI and increased fossil-fuel use?
- How can the growth of data centers affect local communities or public health?
- Why are some governments considering limits on new data centers?
- What environmental solutions do tech companies say they are working on?
Civics & Media Literacy Questions
- What makes PBS a credible news source for this topic?
- What expertise does the Financial Times reporter bring to the discussion?
- What evidence would you need to evaluate tech companies’ clean-energy claims?
- How might national goals around AI influence energy policy decisions?
- Which stakeholders—residents, utilities, tech companies, environmental groups—have the most interest in how data centers expand?
Data Dive: What Do These Two Graphs Show?
Use the two visuals below to explore how AI and data centers are shaping global electricity demand. Each graph highlights a different part of the same story: AI growth is increasing the amount of electricity the world needs, and data centers play a major role.
Graph 1: Global Data Center Electricity Demand (2020–2030)
Questions
- What overall trend do you notice from 2020 to 2030?
- Why might data center electricity use grow faster after 2024?
- How might this trend affect efforts to reduce global emissions?
Graph 2: Data Centers’ Share of Global Electricity Demand Growth (2024–2030)
Questions
- How do data centers compare with other sectors, like electric transportation or appliances?
- Why is it important to look at data centers in context with other sources of electricity growth?
- What do you think surprises people most about this chart?
Short Classroom Activities
- Quick Write: Summarize the environmental impact of AI in 3–5 sentences.
- Small-Group Discussion: Should governments restrict how much energy AI data centers can use?
Examining Industry Perspectives on AI and Energy
Many companies argue that AI can support medical research, transportation safety, and environmental forecasting. They also state that they are major buyers of renewable energy, as described by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
Discussion Questions
- Which AI benefits seem the most convincing?
- How could companies better match renewable-energy investments with local electricity use?
- Which kinds of AI projects could help reduce environmental impacts?
Lesson Plans on Climate Change
Explore more resources for educators to find a wide-range of relevant preK-12 lessons on climate change or supporting young people as they continue to lead the conversation around the climate change crisis.
Andy Kratochvil is a proud member of the AFT Share My Lesson team, where he’s passionate about discovering and sharing top-tier content with educators across the country. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and French from California State University, Fullerton, and later completed... See More
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