Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

Dr. John Van Buren

Abstract

This paper addresses the increasingly innovative and evolving world of artificial intelligence. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated within global economies and infrastructures, its  environmental and economic impact has grown significantly, but still remains understudied in the conversation surrounding societal advancement and growth. This thesis delves into the history and development of artificial intelligence, AI's integration into modern life, Big Tech jumping to get ahead of AI development through investment, the cost of artificial intelligence, and the ethical and environmental implications of increasing artificial intelligence usage. Using multiple case studies, this thesis deeply explores the emergence of artificial intelligence as a tool for Big Tech and the implications of this. In referencing Chat GPT's water and energy consumption levels, Google's investment in a 75 billion dollar AI expansion, and discussion surrounding AI optimization, this paper provides an understanding of the evolution of AI and what this means for the future. Chapter 1 is an introduction and overview to modern day AI, tech company investments, and a glance at the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence. Chapter 2 covers the history of artificial intelligence, from its origins to its modern day milestones, as well as its integration into the mainstream and the beginning of it becoming intertwined with Big Tech. Chapter 3 discussed the economic portion of artificial intelligence, specifically its energy usage. Artificial intelligence needs large amounts of power and energy, and Big Tech is invested in providing that. This chapter covers the costs of AI as well as the overall efficiency. Chapter 4 covers the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding artificial intelligence as well as regulation and accountability surrounding artificial intelligence. Chapter 5 covers what the future of sustainable AI growth has the potential to look like.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, energy, consumption, media, big tech, ethics, sustainability

Comments

This thesis explores the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence growth, with significant focus on Big Tech, data centers, energy consumption, environmental justice, and sustainable policy solutions. 

Download

Share

COinS