Current Affairs

Ithaka S+R Introduces a New LibGuide: Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence (New Research Resource)

June 9, 2026

From a Post by Clare Baytas, Ithaka S+R:

As colleges and universities increase their adoption of artificial intelligence, and particularly generative AI, there is a parallel, rising need for AI literacy instruction. Since librarians are experts in information literacy and technology, they are often on the frontlines of providing training in AI literacy. Indeed, this is reflected in Ithaka S+R’s recently published 2025 US Library Survey, where academic library leaders were asked what they anticipate the most significant impacts of AI will be on their libraries. The most common answer, selected by 83 percent of respondents, was increased demand for AI literacy instruction.

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Today, we are publishing a LibGuide focused on the Environmental Impacts of AI, as a part of our Incorporating Environmental Perspectives into AI Literacy project, funded by the Mellon Foundation. The LibGuide’s objective is to help users attain a baseline understanding of the varied environmental consequences behind AI technology. The LibGuide’s articles, reports, podcasts, videos, data trackers, and other types of resources address environmental impacts throughout the AI lifecycle. These include energy and water use, emissions, mining, hardware construction, and e-waste, as well as resources about data centers and their effects. The guide also links to research on how AI could be developed more sustainably, tools that track AI’s environmental footprint, policy recommendations, and more.

The materials in the LibGuide reveal that researchers still do not have a full grasp of AI’s environmental impacts, and opinions vary on how to think about and act on information available to date. Research in this area is evolving rapidly, and estimates from different sources—whether for measurements of emissions, water or energy use, or other impacts—do not always align with each other. Major technology companies are also not always transparent about resource use and other environmental impacts. Despite these challenges, the resources included in the LibGuide document what we do know about the impacts of widespread AI adoption on the planet.