Today, AI is everywhere. While the benefits of AI to society are promising, a brand-new concern is coming to light: AI has a large carbon footprint, requiring a lot of energy and water. By 2026, the International Energy Agency predicts data centers—which power AI and cryptocurrency—could consume 4 percent of energy usage worldwide, the same amount of electricity required to power Japan. While there are ways to offset AI’s environmental toll, it will require widespread awareness and ongoing sustainability initiatives in order for us to use this advanced technology responsibly.