Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Kyra Valeros
United Nations Environment Programme
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Japan
Kyra Valeros
Forest Hills Eastern
The world has seen AI grow at a speed that few expected, which has raised many environmental concerns. Modern AI requires massive quantities of electricity and fresh water to support data centers, and the extraction of minerals needed for advanced hardware places increasing strain on natural ecosystems. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, AI systems leave a significant environmental footprint “throughout their entire lifecycle,” beginning with mineral extraction and ending with large-scale energy use during model training (UNEP, Artificial Intelligence End-to-End). UNEP has also noted that data centers often rely on water-intensive cooling systems that may compete with local communities for this vital resource (UNEP, AI Has an Environmental Problem). As demand for AI tools grows, managing these impacts becomes a global priority. The pace of AI development means that the international community must act now to prevent harmful environmental consequences and to ensure that technological innovation remains compatible with long-term sustainability goals.
Japan understands the need to balance technological progress with environmental responsibility. As a global leader in robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced computing, Japan has made significant investments in AI research. These systems rely heavily on stable access to electricity and specialized materials. Although Japan does not possess large reserves of rare earth elements or cobalt, it is one of the world’s major producers of high-purity silicon and precision technologies used in semiconductor fabrication. This places Japan in a position where ethical and sustainable mineral sourcing abroad is essential to national industry. Japan has taken steps to diversify supply chains, expand recycling programs for critical minerals, and reduce dependence on conflict-linked materials (Sustainable AI Coalition). Additionally, Japan has strengthened national energy policies to increase the share of renewable power used by domestic data centers, aligning with its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Japan supports ongoing international work, including the Sustainable AI Coalition, which focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of AI and encouraging the development of energy-efficient systems (Sustainable AI Coalition).
Japan urges the United Nations to expand its efforts to address the environmental challenges associated with the AI lifecycle. Japan recommends forming a UNEP sub-committee dedicated to establishing global reporting standards for the electricity, water, and mineral usage of large-scale AI models. Transparent reporting will allow governments to evaluate the environmental impacts of AI and adopt more effective regulations. Japan also supports increasing international cooperation to develop low-energy AI algorithms, sustainable cooling systems, and improvements in the reuse and recycling of critical minerals. Furthermore, Japan encourages UNEP to assist developing countries affected by mining and data-center construction by funding programs that protect water sources, mitigate pollution, and promote renewable energy adoption. Japan is committed to advancing AI in a manner that protects the environment and supports equitable global development. As a technologically advanced nation, Japan is prepared to collaborate with Member States to ensure that the benefits of AI can be realized without compromising the health of the planet.
