As advertising increasingly adopts AI for its efficiency and automation, the environmental consequences, particularly energy consumption and water usage, are being overlooked. Industry leaders, like James Rowe, express concerns that corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities are diminishing amidst economic pressures. Reports reveal that generative AI requires excessive electricity and water, stressing regions already facing water shortages. While marketers focus on leveraging AI for immediate gains, the need for sustainable practices in AI remains critical, indicating a potential mismatch between performance-driven strategies and long-term environmental responsibilities.
"Because of the state of the economy, because of where people are focusing their time, that CSR [corporate social responsibility] agenda has become less important over time," said James Rowe."
"The power it takes to train generative AI models takes up a 'staggering amount of electricity,' according to 2025 reporting from MIT News."
"Two-thirds of new data centers built or in development since 2022 are in places already gripped by high levels of water stress," according to Bloomberg Technology.
"Sustainability has taken a back seat to efficiency as marketers prioritize short-term performance over long-term impact."
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