Environmental Risk

Environmental risk in AI governance refers to the ecological and climate-related impacts of AI systems, including their energy consumption, carbon footprint, and resource extraction requirements. Organizations must assess how their AI infrastructure affects water usage, e-waste, and supply chain sustainability as part of comprehensive risk management. This consideration is increasingly important for enterprises seeking to meet ESG commitments and regulatory requirements around climate disclosure and sustainable operations.

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ResearchGlobal2026-09-16

AI E-Waste Could Hit 617 Million Metric Tons by 2050, Basel Action Network Warns

The Basel Action Network has published research estimating that AI-related e-waste could reach between 395 and 617 million metric tons by 2050. The projection accounts for the full data center hardware stack, not just servers and GPUs. Less than a quarter of current global e-waste enters formal recycling, leaving the rest in informal and often toxic disposal chains.

e-waste environmental risk ESG compliance data center sustainability Basel Convention supply chain Scope 3 emissions