AI and the environment

A UNISON briefing for members
Date posted: 16 December 2025

This briefing outlines the significant and growing environmental impact of artificial intelligence. This includes high energy use, water consumption and carbon emissions driven by expanding data centre infrastructure. 

AI is being rapidly adopted across public services without sufficient environmental safeguards or transparency. We are calling for urgent action to regulate AI’s environmental impact, alongside greater scrutiny from employers and workers. 

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