The AI data center e-waste problem is huge — and getting bigger

A Basel Action Network report says previous research has greatly underestimated the electronic waste associated with AI. By counting the full infrastructure behind data centers as well as devices that may become obsolete sooner, it estimates that retired AI-related equipment could total 395 million to 617 million metric tons between 2025 and 2050.

巴塞尔行动网络的一份报告称，以往研究大幅低估了人工智能产生的电子垃圾。该报告将数据中心的全部配套基础设施以及可能因人工智能发展而提前淘汰的设备纳入统计，估计2025年至2050年间退役的人工智能相关设备总量可能达到3.95亿至6.17亿公吨。