Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Eva Carr

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing technology that has already made an immense carbon footprint on the Earth along with displacement of workers, and the use of critical minerals to make AI infrastructure. The Republic of Colombia, a Unitary Republic, has a steadily growing population of over 53.5 million people, recognizes that Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) rapid growth could lead to potential disruption of labor markets, displacement of millions of workers, and magnify social and ethnic tensions. Without proper regulation, AI could lead to reduction or loss of jobs leading to global migration.
The Colombian Society of Artificial Intelligence (SCIA) was founded in 2001. In 2004, the first educational Masters program in AI was created at the National University of Colombia. This revolution of growing technology (AI – assistance) started to adapt into real world problems in the 2010s and was used for medical diagnoses, tools to improve crop yield, and automated systems for public management. Currently, Colombia has a score of 63.3% in the data and infrastructure for the AI Readiness index indicating moderate readiness to succeed in expanding AI capabilities. This means Colombia would need to improve on developing connectivity to deliver data to and from the user, quality, access to computers, data availability, as well as governance to be successful with AI technology. This presents a massive opportunity for wireless infrastructure with these growing investments in new data centers. Additionally, in 2024, the government announced plans to broaden access to connectivity aiming to ensure 85% of the population has access to the internet in their homes. Colombia’s commitment to expanding AI could escalate economic growth, improve public services such as healthcare, and enhance productivity in agriculture and business, thus benefiting society.
However, Colombia also recognizes that extensive progression of AI is what could potentially lead to overproduction and environmental exploitation. According to the UN, Global AI demand is expected to consume 4.2 – 6.6 billion cubic meters of water by 2027 and the number of data centers have increased from 500 thousand in 2012 to 8 million worldwide today, which experts predict will rapidly increase along with AI’s escalating energy growth. The Colombian government recognizes that AI is a crucial tool for driving socio – economic development while also ensuring responsible and sustainable usage which fall in line with OECD and UNESCO principles. Nevertheless, Colombia faces considerable challenges in developing AI systems, infrastructure, data centers and digital skills.
Our Nation seeks to expand AI while regulating its use by governing and managing the accumulation of knowledge in the cloud by global public oversight rather than private interests or national regulations. In early 2025, Colombia passed the National Artificial Intelligence Policy, CONPES 4144, which establishes Colombia’s National AI Policy. It aims to ensure responsibility and trustworthy AI development and use, which includes enhancing technology and access to AI, promote high quality data and research, partner and guide AI in research rather than be replaced by it, prevent cybersecurity threats, as well as encourage the development of AI usage in businesses, public institutions, and sustainability. These solutions aim to expand AI responsibly while regulating its frequent use, protecting human dignity and the environment.
In addition to these efforts, Colombia is open to working with Nations by forming partnerships who desire to expand AI development sustainably and maintain its use serving the public and environment well.

Works Cited
“AI has an environmental problem. Here’s what the world can do about that.” UNEP, 13 November 2025, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“AI Watch: Global regulatory tracker – Colombia.” White & Case, 26 June 2025, https://www.whitecase.com/insight-our-thinking/ai-watch-global-regulatory-tracker-colombia.
“Artificial intelligence: How much energy does AI use?” UNRIC.org, 7 April 2025, https://unric.org/en/artificial-intelligence-how-much-energy-does-ai-use/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“COLOMBIA.” International Science Council, https://council.science/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AI-Paper-Case-Study-Colombia_V2.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“Colombia as an emerging power in the development of AI in Co.” Rootstack, https://rootstack.com/en/blog/colombia-ai-development. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Elías, Manuel. “Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council.” UN News, 3 June 2025, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1163971. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“How AI can transform informal settlements in Latin America.” The World Economic Forum, 14 July 2025, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/how-ai-is-transforming-informal-settlements-in-latin-america/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Idrovo, Camila. “Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Navigating Colombia’s AI-Driven Data Centre Boom.” Medium, Camila Idrovo, 24 October 2024, https://medium.com/iipp-mpa-blog/balancing-growth-and-sustainability-navigating-colombias-ai-driven-data-centre-boom-4c8625521ec7.
“Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) Reconfirms Chile, Brazil and Uruguay as Leaders in the Region.” CEPAL, 24 September 2024, https://www.cepal.org/en/pressreleases/latin-american-artificial-intelligence-index-ilia-reconfirms-chile-brazil-and-uruguay. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Parsons, James J. “Colombia | History, Map, Flag, Capital, Population, Currency, & Facts.” Britannica, 25 November 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Colombia. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“President of Colombia warns against excessive use of artificial intelligence.” President of Colombia warns against excessive use of artificial intelligence, 9 November 2025, https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/bogota/media-hub/embassy-news/1-5-2025-bogoota-10. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Snyder, Scott A. “What’s Your Company’s AI Readiness Quotient? – Knowledge at Wharton.” Knowledge at Wharton, 12 January 2024, https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/whats-your-companys-ai-readiness-quotient/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Stewart, Sara, et al. “Artificial Intelligence and the Critical Minerals Crunch – FP Analytics.” FP Analytics, 18 July 2025, https://fpanalytics.foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/18/artificial-intelligence-critical-minerals-supply-chains/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
“Water | United Nations.” the United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/water. Accessed 27 November 2025.
Yarce, Elizabeth. “UN Envoy hails Colombia’s peace process as global model, calls for more funding.” UN News, 30 October 2025, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/10/1166229. Accessed 27 November 2025.

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.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jessica Liu

92% of the world’s population lives in places where the air quality levels exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization, highlighting the urgent global crisis of climate change and its devastating impact on environmental and public health. In Ukraine, these challenges have deep historical roots. Dating back to its Soviet energy model, dominated by coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric-based energy production, it began to heavily impact urban and rural environments. These environmental pressures, combined with recent wartime damage to infrastructure, have only culminated in an air pollution crisis. Recognizing the critical impact of climate change on air quality, the delegation of Ukraine stresses the need for coordinated global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate air pollution while protecting ecosystems and human health.

In recent years, Ukraine has taken measures to address both climate change and conventional air pollutants, as many sources, including energy production, industry, and transport, contribute simultaneously to greenhouse gas emissions. The Law of Ukraine No. 991-IX, established August 10, 2024, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; increase absorption across various sectors; increase the share of renewable energy and alternate fuels; lower the energy intensity of GDP; enhance resilience; ensure environmental, food, and energy security; and achieve climate neutrality, supporting the Paris Agreement target statistics. In addition, Ukraine has a chance to develop a modern energy system with a more efficient and balanced mix, increasing both its energy security and economic resilience. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s energy system and infrastructure have been severely damaged, the cost to rebuild according to EU standards in 2024 alone amounting to $67.8 billion. However, despite this crisis, Ukraine now has the opportunity to renew its grid without its previously centralized model and dependence on imported fuel. Furthermore, air-quality monitoring initiatives, such as Clean Air for Ukraine, now include over 250 stations nationwide and track environmental damage in war-affected regions.

With this in mind, Ukraine urges the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to strengthen international cooperation to address climate change and air quality in tandem. The delegation emphasizes the importance of accelerating renewable energy adoption, reinforcing emission standards across energy, transport, and industrial sectors, and taking measures to protect communities from pollutant exposure. Through these efforts, Ukraine seeks to safeguard public health, prevent further environmental damage, and contribute to global climate objectives.

Works Cited

Bandura, Romina, and Alexander Romanishyn. “Striving for Access, Security, and
Sustainability: Ukraine’s Transition to a Modern and Decentralized Energy System.” Csis.org, 2025, www.csis.org/analysis/striving-access-security-and-sustainability.

Popov, Oleksandr, et al. “Risk Assessment for the Population of Kyiv, Ukraine as a Result of
Atmospheric Air Pollution.” Journal of Health and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 25, Pure Earth, Jan. 2020, pp. 200303–3, https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-10.25.200303.

“The New Green Reconstruction Project for War-Affected Regions Is Being Launched by the
‘Clean Air for Ukraine’ Program – Все про повітря.” Все про повітря, 29 Feb. 2024, cleanair.org.ua/en/13327/proekt-zelena-vidbudova-ukraini-vid-chiste-povitya-2.

“Ukraine’s Climate Policy Goals Defined by the Law of Ukraine.” Ukrainian Climate Office, 14
Nov. 2025, ukrainian-climate-office.org/en/infographic/ukraines-climate-policy-goals-defined-by-the-law-of-ukraine-no-991-ix-article-4-08-10-2024.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Jessica Liu

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in recent years has transformed global technological capabilities. Acknowledging its potential in fields such as, but not limited to, medicine, physics, and environmental sciences, the delegation of Ukraine urges that alongside continued development, the United Nations provide increased global measures for the development of artificial intelligence and its associated resource consumption and environmental impact. Ukraine has faced severe air pollution since the Soviet industrial rise in the 1950s, with coal emissions and current wartime conditions further straining local ecosystems. These circumstances highlight the pressing need for increased efforts in managing the consequences of expanding AI infrastructure. In August 2021, Ukraine adopted its National Strategy for the Development of AI, seeking to establish Ukraine as a leader in the creation and application of AI by 2030. Accordingly, Ukraine emphasizes the importance of approaches that promote global accountability while exploring the possibilities of fossil fuel alternatives.

According to the Decree of the President of Ukraine and the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on September 14, 2020, it is essential that a climate-resilient society be built in the wake of post-COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery. This new strategy not only contributes to global resilience but also sets the framework for adaptive action in Ukraine, defining its ten most vulnerable areas—biodiversity, water resources, energy, public health, fisheries, agriculture and soils, forestry, cities and territorial communities, transport and infrastructure, coastal areas, and tourism—for analysis and improvements. Of these, water resources and energy are especially prominent in consideration of artificial intelligence, as the expansion of AI infrastructure, including large-scale data centers and high-performance computing systems, places extreme demands on electricity and water supplies, which could exacerbate existing environmental pressures. At the same time, Ukraine has made significant strides in integrating AI into public services through initiatives such as Diia.AI, the world’s first national AI assistant for government services. This platform allows citizens to access essential documents, such as income certificates, via chat or voice request. While this demonstrates Ukraine’s leadership in AI adoption, it also underscores the importance of carefully monitoring resource consumption.

Looking ahead, Ukraine supports comprehensive international efforts through UNEP to mitigate AI’s environmental impacts while continuing its beneficial development. The delegation urges UNEP to establish global standards for the sustainable sourcing of critical resources and implement environmental impact assessments for large-scale AI projects. Ukraine also encourages research and technological innovation aimed at reducing the energy intensity of AI systems and calls for international collaboration to share best practices in sustainable AI deployment. Through these initiatives, Ukraine seeks to ensure that artificial intelligence contributes positively to global development while minimizing harm to local ecosystems and communities, reaffirming its commitment to both technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

Works Cited

“A Vision for AI in Government: How Ukraine Is Leading the Way with AI in Public Services.”
Google Public Policy, 2025, publicpolicy.google/article/ukraine-ai-public-service/.

Digital State UA. “Ukraine Presents National AI Strategy: A Bold Vision to Join the Global Top
3 by 2030.” Digitalstate.gov.ua, Digital State UA, 12 Nov. 2025, digitalstate.gov.ua/news/govtech/ukrayina-prezentuvala-draft-stratehiyi-rozvytku-shi-do-2030-roku-fokus-na-praktychne-zastosuvannia-infrastrukturu-ta-vlasni-modeli.

‌“Government Adopts New Strategy to Make Ukraine More Resilient to Climate Crisis.” UNDP,
2021, www.undp.org/ukraine/press-releases/government-adopts-new-strategy-make-ukraine-more-resilient-climate-crisis.

Popov, Oleksandr, et al. “Risk Assessment for the Population of Kyiv, Ukraine as a Result of
Atmospheric Air Pollution.” Journal of Health and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 25, Pure Earth, Jan. 2020, pp. 200303–3, https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-10.25.200303.

“National Strategy for the Development of AI in Ukraine for 2021-2030 | Digital Watch
Observatory.” Digital Watch Observatory, 20 Aug. 2024, dig.watch/resource/national-strategy-for-the-development-of-ai-in-ukraine-for-2021-2030.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Ethan Han

Artificial intelligence is perhaps the technology with the greatest potential of the 21st Century. For Algeria, the recent advent of AI stretches far beyond mere tools for innovation, but a largely untapped mine of economic opportunity, energy transition, and national sovereignty. However, Algeria also recognizes that the current developments in AI are harming the environment due AI being extremely energy intensive. Consuming energy, water, increasing waste from hardware and from mining. Considering these implications, Algeria’s position on this issue is based on practicality, sustainability, and sovereignty.

In 2024, Algeria launched its National AI Strategy until 2030. This strategy is built on six pillars: research and development, ecosystem and infrastructure, local support, investment and economy, regulation and application. These pillars represent the transition of Algeria’s economics while overseen by the government.

Algeria’s strategy with AI aligns with Algeria’s energy transition. Algeria is still very dependent on natural gas for electricity which causes issues in overexploiting natural resources. In order to restructure, a plan revolving around predominantly solar, installing 22,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 has been set in place. Yet this dramatic restructuring will be a slow challenging process, as renewable capacity in 2023 was at under 600 MW. This creates a pressing dichotomy in which AI is needed for growth, but unchecked development would drain energy and cause environmental damage. Algeria, therefore, believes that advances in AI must be accompanied by implementation of renewable energy.

Algeria’s three core requirements for a plan involving AI are that, firstly, AI must contribute to sustainable development. AI is capable of increasing the efficiency of energy use such as optimizing water in agriculture or monitoring desertification. Secondly, environmental standards should consider national capacity. Rigid environmental standards can marginalize states with less advanced infrastructure, consequently, Algeria will oppose proposals that restrict AI access on broad environmental grounds or impose requirements without financial assistance that makes transition feasible. Algeria is in support of flexible environmental standards with financial and technical support. Thirdly, to Algeria, AI sovereignty is nonnegotiable. Dependence on foreign AI hinders and weakens national oversight. Algeria argues that countries must use national data and technologies to develop AI to avoid dependence on other countries.

Algeria’s policy objectives include the adoption of a Green AI Infrastructure and the creation of an International Financing and Technical Support Union. These programs would help be decided by the UNEP and when used in tandem should issue recommendations on energy efficiency, integration of renewable technology, and sustainable hardware while providing the means to make these changes. In addition, Algeria advocates for an environmental reporting framework that traces AI energy use, water consumption, emissions, and waste, allowing high-capacity states to lead while enabling developing states to gradually adopt standards as infrastructure improves. Finally, Algeria calls for Global South Pilot Programs which would test renewably sourced data models under real conditions and is willing to host or participate in these programs. With AI growth in renewable expansion Algeria urges the international community to pursue an AI solution that is sustainable, secure, and supportive of developing states. Alegria is committed and stands ready to collaborate with all nations to bring about a fruitful environmentally sound future that can benefit every nation.

Works Cited
https://dzair-ai.org/community/news/2024-09-15_Algeria_Announces_National_AI_Strategy_2024-2030
https://1p5ndc-pathways.climateanalytics.org/countries/algeria/sectors/power
https://www.algeriainvest.com/AlgeriaIC/public/en/premium-news/lalgerie-sengage-dans-le-renouvelable
https://www.iea.org/countries/algeria

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: China
Delegate Name: Shyla Chadda

United Nations Environment Programme
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
China
Shyla Chadda
Forest Hills Eastern High School

The use of Artificial Intelligence is important to address, as it can cause significant environmental issues. In 2020, the growth of AI spread globally through websites like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. According to the UN Environment Programme, producing a typical 2 kg computer requires about 800 kg of raw materials. Data centers use water for cooling AI servers as they generate immense heat. This water-intensive structure can consume 1 to 5 million gallons of water per day for a single center. The Organization for World Peace states that AI global demand could lead to 4.2-6.6 billion cubic meters of water withdrawal by 2027. Additionally, a high demand for natural resources such as lithium, cobalt, and copper, many of which are located in China, continues to add to the sustainability concerns. AI threatens to increase carbon emissions and resource scarcity in water. Without proper regulation, countries could face resource conflicts and climate setbacks. The UN has taken steps to combat the environmental risk of AI by publishing “AI End-to-End: The Environmental Impact of the Full AI Lifecycle.” This identified the wasteful impacts of AI and called for mandatory reporting from companies. Additionally, UNESCO created the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which has been adopted by 193 countries. In addition to this, the United Nations should increase the standards and amount of resources that countries should have for AI-related infrastructure.

China recognizes the importance of mitigating resource consumption due to AI, and agrees on strong global cooperation to create sustainable development in the continuation of AI. With an aim of becoming the world’s “major AI innovation centre by 2030,” China has over 700+ large-scale data centers, as well as 70% of the world’s rare natural resources that are used in semiconductors, increasing pressure on mining regions. With these strong goals on advancing AI, China still emphasizes the importance of sustainability. In recent years, China has produced major AI advancements such as DeepSeek, a large model known for being more energy-efficient than many Western systems. DeepSeek helped motivate the creation of China’s underwater data center off Hainan in 2023, to reduce water scarcity, as it is used for its cooling. This system can support 7,000 AI conversations per second and achieves a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of around 1.1, which is far lower than the global average of 1.4. Even with these improvements, China’s AI expansion is still rising, as in 2024, data centers consumed 140 billion kWh, which is 31% more than in the year before. This is projected to reach up to 400-600 billion kWh by 2030. To address these challenges, China has begun shifting AI infrastructure toward developing energy-saving technologies such as “Full Scaling Automation” in 2023, whose job is to automatically adjust how much computing power, cooling, and electricity an AI model uses in real time, depending on workload. It has already saved 1.5 million kWh and has reduced 947 tons of CO₂. Additionally, on an international scale, China created the Global AI Governance Initiative in 2023. This calls for the responsible development of AI, focusing on reducing environmental burdens. China has also supported the UN Global Digital Compact, which outlines principles for environmentally responsible technology use. China also supports the UN’s Global Digital Compact and participates in UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR), which uses AI to monitor global environmental data. In 2024, China endorsed the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance, calling for lower-emission AI systems and greener data centers. These actions align with China’s push to reduce the environmental strain of AI.

China urges the United Nations to collaborate to mitigate AI-driven resource consumption and reduce the environmental crisis. China recommends establishing a sub-committee to further implement regulations and policies toward specifically promoting energy-efficient AI infrastructure and standardizing AI environmental guidelines. China emphasizes maintaining further innovation on the development of AI, but while still limiting damage. Funding can be included internationally by anyone wanting to be involved in a change, and to help benefit the environment. China is involved in change through modernization, and hopes to become further involved in change through collaboration.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Sophia Mahajerin

United Nations Environmental Programme
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Federal Republic of Germany
Sophia Mahajerin
Forest Hills Eastern

Artificial Intelligence has evolved rapidly over the last decade, going from a niche resource tool to a central pillar of everyday life. Along with this, its ecological footprint has expanded just as rapidly. In Europe alone, electricity demand and consumption from AI-related data centers is predicted to more than double by 2030. Germany has reported that without regulation, AI-driven computing could increase national energy consumption by hundreds. UNESCO and OECD have both contributed positively by promoting research into lower energy AI sources. UNESCO found that improving training methods can cut energy use by nearly 90%. This topic is crucial for UNEP to address because if left unchecked, global AI expansion could undermine climate goals and resource depletion, especially in countries facing environmental stress. An important part of Germany’s position is the implementation of the EU AI act, which advances ethical standards, environmental protections, and human- centered design. Germany believes AI can be a powerful tool for environmental progress (if developed responsibly), and is committed to ensuring that its growth aligns with global sustainability and UNEP’s vision for the long term.

Germany has already taken significant national and international steps to ensure that AI development aligns with environmental sustainability. The Government’s first AI strategy specifically consolidates climate protection, resource efficiency, and environmental monitoring into AI research priorities. Germany recently boosted funding for environmentally friendly AI applications, such as smart grids, energy-efficient computing systems, and AI supported environmental forecasts. Through its Energy Efficiency Act and the digital strategy, Germany has advanced strict standards for data recording, sourcing renewable energy, and reduced power consumption. Germany has also worked actively alongside the European Union, having played a major role in shaping the EU AI Act. Internationally, Germany works with UNEP, UNESCO, the OECD, and the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) to promote ethical, sustainable, and transparent AI regulations. These actions demonstrate Germany’s long lasting commitment to environmental responsibility and wise digital innovation.

In this committee, Germany pushes for solutions that let countries use AI while still protecting the environment. First, Germany believes UNEP should help create clear standards on an international level, for measuring how much energy and materials AI systems use, so countries can compare their impacts and stay transparent with one another. Germany also supports a UNEP led reporting system where data centers around the world share information about their emissions, energy sources, and cooling methods. To make AI environmentally friendly on a greater scale, Germany encourages investing in more energy-efficient algorithms and data centers powered by renewable energy. Germany also wants to expand global research on how AI can help with climate change improvement, protecting our ecosystems, and managing resources better. Germany believes AI can support global sustainability if countries work together to manage its impact, and use it in a way that truly benefits humanity and the planet.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Reid Osiecki

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly increased global demand for electricity, water, and critical minerals. Nowhere is this more evident than in data center–heavy economies. According to Ireland’s Sustainable Energy Authority, data centers in Ireland currently consume more electricity than all urban households combined, showing a broader international trend in which AI infrastructure is stressing national power grids and contributing to rising household energy costs. Globally, AI systems rely on energy-intensive data processing, extensive server cooling, and mineral extraction that often involve environmental damage or unethical labor practices.
Internationally, efforts to manage AI’s resource footprint remain largely unconnected. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, adopted in 2024, introduced the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework addressing AI safety, transparency, and sustainability requirements. As a member of the EU, Ireland is legally bound to these provisions and plays a role in their implementation. The Act sets preliminary guidelines for reducing energy consumption and mandating transparency regarding environmental impact.
Beyond Europe, multilateral bodies have begun examining AI’s environmental challenges. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has published resource-efficiency benchmarks for ICT infrastructure, and UNEP has identified AI as both a potential accelerant of environmental degradation and a tool for addressing climate challenges. Although several states endorse “Green AI” principles, there is no unified binding international agreement limiting data center resource use, critical mineral extraction, or water consumption for cooling systems.
Meanwhile, alarm over infrastructure strain has grown worldwide. Ireland is one of the first nations to halt new data center connections to the electricity grid until 2028, citing risks of blackouts and grid instability. Similar concerns have been raised in the Netherlands, Singapore, and certain U.S. states. These issues show a growing international awareness of the environmental and energy pressures associated with unregulated AI expansion.
II. Country policy
Ireland’s national policy on Artificial Intelligence and resource consumption focuses on advancing technological innovation while upholding environmental sustainability. As a major European host for global technology companies—including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and OpenAI, whose operations contribute approximately €40 billion to Ireland’s economy—the country recognizes both the opportunities and the environmental pressures created by AI infrastructure.
Ireland is actively working to reduce the environmental footprint of datacenters, which in 2022 accounted for 17% of the nation’s electricity usage, contributing to some of Europe’s highest kilowatt-hour costs. With nearly 50% of Ireland’s primary energy supply still derived from oil, the government aims to modernize its energy system to support greener, more efficient data-driven industries. EirGrid, the state-owned electricity operator, has implemented restrictions on new datacenter grid connections in Dublin to protect energy stability.
To manage AI growth proactively, Ireland has appointed a Minister for Artificial Intelligence within the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). This office coordinates national policy implementation and ensures compliance with key EU regulations, including:
• The EU AI Act, which governs the development and deployment of high-risk AI systems.
• The EU Energy Efficiency Directive, requiring reductions in national energy consumption and improved efficiency standards for large energy users such as datacenters.
• The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), obligating companies operating in Ireland to disclose environmental impacts, including energy use, emissions, and resource consumption associated with AI models and infrastructure.
Ireland also invests in research connecting AI to climate action, including renewable energy forecasting, emissions modeling, and biodiversity monitoring. These investments reflect Ireland’s belief that AI should strengthen—not undermine—its environmental commitments.
Overall, Ireland’s policy seeks a balance between digital economic growth and environmental responsibility. The government advocates for international cooperation to
establish global standards for sustainable AI and supports greater oversight of resource intensive AI systems to prevent energy insecurity and environmental degradation.
III. Proposed Solutions
1. Establish an International Sustainable AI Infrastructure Standard (ISAIS)
To address the growing global strain AI systems place on electricity, water, and mineral resources, Ireland proposes the creation of an International Sustainable AI Infrastructure Standard (ISAIS) under the coordination of UNEP, ITU, and UNDESA. This framework would:
• Set binding efficiency benchmarks for data centers, including permissible electricity consumption per teraflop of processing and maximum water use per megawatt of cooling.
• Require transparent environmental reporting for companies operating large AI models, aligning non-EU states with principles similar to the EU CSRD. • Promote the adoption of renewable-powered data centers, encouraging states to require new AI facilities to be powered by a minimum percentage of renewable energy by 2030.
• Introduce guidelines for ethical mineral sourcing, reducing environmental damage associated with lithium, cobalt, and rare-earth extraction by harmonizing global supply chain due-diligence requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to developing states, enabling them to modernize grid infrastructure without sacrificing energy security.
This standard would allow nations to continue developing AI while ensuring that the sector’s environmental footprint is transparently measured and steadily reduced.
2. Create a Global Green AI Innovation and Monitoring Initiative (GAIMI)
Ireland further calls for UNEP to establish a Global Green AI Innovation and Monitoring Initiative (GAIMI) to support countries in deploying environmentally responsible AI technologies. The initiative would:
• Fund research and pilot programs that use AI to improve renewable-energy forecasting, grid stabilization, water-use optimization, and biodiversity monitoring— building on Ireland’s national successes in these areas.
• Develop a global monitoring platform that tracks the resource consumption of AI systems and data centers using real-time reporting, satellite observation, and independent environmental audits.
• Support countries implementing temporary moratoriums (like Ireland’s grid connection pause) by offering environmental impact assessments, capacity building workshops, and best-practice guidelines for managing rapid AI infrastructure growth.
• Promote “Green-by-Design AI models,” incentivizing companies to prioritize energy efficient architectures and cooling technologies to reduce emissions per model training cycle.
• Encourage international public–private partnerships among governments, academia, and technology firms to accelerate the development of AI systems that deliver economic benefits without destabilizing energy grids.
GAIMI would serve as both a monitoring body and an innovation hub, helping states ensure that AI development aligns with global sustainability and energy-security goals.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Toby Leopold

The Philippines recognizes that artificial intelligence has the potential to assist with many issues present in the world. However, The Philippines is concerned with the rapid expansion of AI because of the environmental drawbacks it proposes. Namely increased energy usage, water consumption, extraction of critical minerals, and electronic waste. As a climate vulnerable country, The Philippines wishes for global cooperation to ensure that the advancement of AI is done sustainably.

The Philippines is requesting international support to build renewable energy powered, energy efficient data centers to reduce emissions. In addition to this, the Philippines is advocating for equitable access to AI for developing nations.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Jacob Preston

Committee: United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Israel
School: Mattawan High School

Delegation of Israel on Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption

Israel holds one of the top spots in the Global AI Index and Artificial Intelligence research with over 2000 Israeli companies, ranging in industries from agriculture to transportation, driving advancements in the technology. This means that the issues of AI resource consumption heavily affect Israel and the overall progression of the technology as a whole. The primary resource that is abundant for the AI industry in Israel is a very skilled workforce, along with large amounts of renewable energy in the forms of natural gas and solar power, and efficient use of water and good water management. These resources make Israel an important factor of the overall AI industry, along with countries such as the US, the UK, France, Russia, Canada, China, South Korea, Germany, and more. Overall, the Delegation of Israel believes that ethical and safe use of AI technologies is of great importance, along with fairness of access to AI technologies by all nations, due to AI research and technology becoming increasingly important in economic growth.
Currently, two new UN bodies have been formed as of August 2025, being the Independent International Scientific panel on AI (IISP-AI), and the Global Dialogue in AI Governance. The IISP-AI is a group of 40 experts who provide impartial evidence and information on the risks, impacts, and opportunities regarding AI to provide an area for scientific policymaking. The Global Dialogue in AI Governance is a gathering of all 193 member nations in addition to other small groups to discuss and govern the overall effect of AI on humanity. These two groups have been the largest push on the subject of AI by the UN, not moving against AI, but rather moving alongside and with the growth of the technology. It is important that these committees and policies, or any potential new committees or policies, be responsible for the guidance of safe and fair use of AI internationally, along with the spreading of opportunity and access of AI technologies to all nations. Overall, Israel strongly believes that AI research, development, and technologies are critical to the growth of industry and economics, and has the potential to be of great benefit to all nations, however as the industry continues to grow, so must the monitorization of the impacts the AI industry has on people and the environment.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Mason A Jones

Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, is one of the most useful technological advancements in today’s world. Used for finance, customer service, entertainment, marketing, and many other tactics, AI has helped advance our technological progress and economic growth. Even for the environment, AI has helped track climate change and oil and gas installation patterns throughout the world. Although, the increase of use of Artificial Intelligence has been affecting our environment in several ways. Negative impacts of AI on the environment include the increased burning of fossil fuels and water waste to power data centers and the mining of rare earth metals for microchip production, which will continue to negatively impact the environment if action is not taken.
Slovenia is one of many European countries striving to use AI to develop computer infrastructure. In fact, as of 2025, Slovenia is going to host one of the six new AI factories, driving to expand high-performance computing power. These factories will benefit Europe because it strives to connect AI strategies across Europe, and work to make Europe an AI-supported continent.
The UN’s position on AI is to further advance technological growth with Artificial Intelligence, but also be aware of the environmental risks. Some impacts of AI on the environment is the energy needed for data centers. Since most AI deployments are stored in data centers, they need to burn fossil fuels to host the AI technology, leading to more greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. For example, for one 2kg computer, up to 800kg of raw materials are used. On top of that, it takes several liters of water to cool down the electrical components. This can negatively affect countries who are already lacking in clean water supply, and it can stress areas where droughts are common. The UN—UNEP specifically—suggests that governments should put more regulations on infrastructure used to support AI, to lessen the use of energy and water waste.
Slovenia believes that Artificial Intelligence should be pushed forward in development, for it has great benefits and potential for the future. Although, we believe that we should be aware of the environmental risks, and continue to place regulations like the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act.

Works Cited
AI Has an Environmental Problem. Here’s What the World Can Do About That., www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about. Accessed 25 Nov. 2025.
“Slovenia among the Digital Giants: A New Supercomputer and AI Factory to Boost Technological Power.” Portal GOV.SI, www.gov.si/en/news/2025-03-12-slovenia-among-the-digital-giants-a-new-supercomputer-and-ai-factory-to-boost-technological-power/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
“What Direct Risks Does AI Pose to the Climate and Environment?” Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, 22 Sept. 2025, www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/what-direct-risks-does-ai-pose-to-the-climate-and-environment/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: India
Delegate Name: Reni Bejko

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence have skyrocketed in recent years and according to the International Trade Administration (ITA) has gone up by 40% over the last 5 years in India, but with this rapid growth comes a side effect: Rapid resource consumption. For India, with its population of 1.4 billion and the nation developing rapidly, with growing digital infrastructure and a higher demand in energy than ever before, the question is no longer whether to utilize AI or not, but how to implement it sustainably. India recognizes that AI is a tool for economic growth, healthcare, and job creations. However, India is equally aware that the unchecked energy usage, water consumption, and mineral extraction used to sustain these systems is causing harm to the environment as well as threatening India’s development that it is currently trying to strive for. India believes that AI developments should prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and responsible innovation so new advancements in technology do not harm future generations to come.
As these AI models grow larger and more complex, so do the energy demand on power grids, supply chains, and data center infrastructure, especially in developing nations such as India. Therefore, the committee should take the following questions into consideration:
How can nations implement AI without creating unsustainable energy production? What regulations are needed to prevent environmental damage due to AI, including electronic waste and excessive water usage in chip fabrication and data-center cooling? And how can developing nations adopt more complex AI systems without worsening local environmental damage or resource inequity?
India proposes the expansion of green, sustainable data center infrastructure by utilizing solar-powered energy for the data center, energy efficient cooling systems that waste the least amount of energy as possible, and the use of low-water or sustainable water cooling such as the use of Coolant Distribution Units (CDU), coolant systems that recycle water/air to repeatedly cool data centers while saving hundreds of millions of gallons a year.
In India, we have already seen a success of green data centers, as The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) have recently come to an agreement on implement these sustainable systems in September of 2025, with projections saying that the continued usage of these sustainable systems would lead to over an 88% decrease in emissions/waste from data centers, and to reduce carbon emissions by over 50% from 2022 levels.
India firmly believes that the future of AI must not come at the expense of environmental stability or economic development. AI has the power to transform industries such as healthcare, industrial work, and electronic work. However, this is only possible if its growth is sustained with sustainable practices, such as providing energy efficient systems and data centers. India believes that all nations could come to an agreement that these AI systems need sustainability so as to not harm the future generations that will come to be. India is looking forward to working with nations in the UNEP committee to discuss solutions to this problem.

Sources/Works Cited:
TERI and NSFERI Energy Agreement
India Uses CDUS in data centers

ITA – India and Artificial Intelligence

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Lucia Ruiz

The development of Artificial Intelligence in recent years has brought up the topic of resource consumption regarding AI and how AI will change or improve our society. Egypt has created an updated AI policy that provides details on their strategy for the future of integrating AI into everyday life. Egypt acknowledges that more resources would be needed to meet the AI strategy goal, but also would like to emphasize that it is for the improvement of the country. By following through on the 2025-2030 national AI strategy Egypt will be placing themselves in a position to take steps towards being one of the most AI advanced countries in the middle east.

In the government’s efforts moving towards the future of AI plans have been made. Egypt has created the National AI Strategy 2025-2030. This document outlines the goals for now implementing AI including creating an ethical, responsible, and transparent approach. The idea is to integrate AI into healthcare, agriculture, and smart-city management to drive technological developments in these areas. By 2030 we are aiming to… 1. Cultivate 30,000 AI specialists through advanced education and training programs 2. Establish 250 AI-driven companies supported by R&D and venture-capital incentives 3. Expand AI research output to more than 6,000 academic publications 4. Increase AI integration into daily life for 36 % of the population.

Egypt understands that carrying out and controlling policy will require supervision because of this a National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) was created. They are supported by the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and other organizations to create these new infrastructures, implement those infrastructures, create policy and ensure everything is being carried out to our ethical standard. Our policies, current and future, align with UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). With all the effort being put into creating this new AI infrastructure we are striving for long term sustainability through periodic monitoring and action plans including future laws/legislative reforms.

We understand that our strategy requires talent which will involve AI training programs/courses to create the advanced technology skills needed to create an AI system. These AI systems also require large amounts of energy which has been a point of concern for Egypt. The Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) 2035, has set a goal to generate 42% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Egypt has already built energy interconnectors with neighboring countries and continues to do so to create renewable energy through these interconnectors, which has already decreased our CO2 emissions by 1.2 million tons annually. Part of our AI infrastructure strategy includes points to reduce energy losses and enhance consumer control over electricity usage as well.

Egypt is committed to creating a strong digital infrastructure and attaining our goals responsibly. We look forward to carrying out our National AI Strategy 2025-2030 and seeing progress on future developments. The delegation of Egypt is interested in discussing ways to create renewable energy and find sustainable solutions for future AI systems with fellow member states. We are hopeful for our strategy for the coming years to develop our technology to a new standard and work with fellow delegations to create a strong foundation for future policy.

Work Cited

“Egypt -Electricity and Renewable Energy.” International Trade Administration | Trade.gov, 21 Nov. 2025, www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/egypt-electricity-and-renewable-energy.

Nemko Group AS. “Egypt AI Regulation: PDPL, Strategy, AI Act Plans | Nemko Digital.” Nemko Group AS, digital.nemko.com/regulations/ai-policy-egypt.

Egypt Charts a Path Towards Ethical and Inclusive AI With UNESCO Support. 16 Oct. 2025, www.unesco.org/en/articles/egypt-charts-path-towards-ethical-and-inclusive-ai-unesco-support.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Avery Water

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes on the subject of Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption that artificial intelligence is essential for the future of Iran and the world as a whole. Iran as a nation has the ultimate goal to be one of the top contenders for AI technological advancements in the next decade. AI is also essential for advancements in military technology, can be used for military grade weapons such as drones and AI-powered guided missiles, utilized for domestic security and Iran’s general effort to prevent and control uprisings or movements within Iranian society.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to work and collaborate with other countries to control and utilize AI to boost or provide leverage for any international relations. Iran’s National Organization of Artificial Intelligence (NOAI), will work and collaborate internationally to allow for greater distribution of required hardware and software to assist in technological advancements related to the growth of AI. Iran recognizes one of the top producers of technology for AI, Nvidia ,is a very important factor in this spread of AI. The NOAI, along with other international organizations, should also attempt to collaborate with Nvidia, an American company that specializes in the creation of AI hardware and software, to increase production and distribution.
Recognizing the fact that ores and minerals needed for AI production are in high demand, Iran has developed and is in the process of developing large mining organizations for essential resources, such as bauxite and iron. Iran has also funded over $115 million for basic research and development.
To assist the increase in the production of AI, Iran is inclined to import and export resources internationally to allow for an overall growth in AI production. Iran will expect resources in return through the establishment of mutually beneficial trade agreements with other nations. Iran is aware of the environmental pressures that excessive ore mining and production of computer chips can have on the environment, such as habitat destruction and loss, food and water contamination, and pollutants in the air, and is willing to collaborate with the delegations within the UNEP to find a temporary solution to the pollution.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will collaborate with this committee in order to find an equitable solution regarding the concerns and details on the subject of Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption. Iran will keep the goal of being a top contender in AI production in mind while working with other delegates to communicate with high-priority companies, such as Nvidia, to control AI in a safe and efficient manner.

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/artificial-intelligence-ai-end-end-environmental-impact-full-ai-lifecycle-needs-be

https://www.sustainableaicoalition.org/

https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/

https://rohscommons.weebly.com/databases.html

https://www.britannica.com/

https://www.romun.org/research.html

https://www.romun.org/delegate-development.html

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Lauren Barteld

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is a key factor in the current consumption of global resources. While AI offers various tools within the realm of environmental monitoring through agriculture, water systems, and infrastructure, it also raises several concerns regarding its high energy consumption, excessive water usage, significant carbon emissions, and numerous other environmental costs. As a developing country exposed to many climate-related impacts, Pakistan already faces water scarcity and pollution, flooding, extreme heatwaves and droughts, air pollution, and a range of further related issues. Therefore, Pakistan recognizes the need to surveil the negative environmental impacts of AI usage, yet also understands the capabilities of AI as a powerful tool to support sustainable development when used responsibly and equitably.
Pakistan strongly supports the ethical use of artificial intelligence as a way to reduce resource consumption, strengthen the ability to manage climate challenges, and promote sustainable development. Simultaneously, Pakistan emphasizes the need to address these environmental and equity challenges that the expansion of AI has brought. Therefore, Pakistan encourages UNEP to consider what policies and programs can promote the ethical and equitable use of AI for utmost environmental resilience and resource management.
Pakistan highlights the importance of managing the environmental impacts of AI infrastructure. Technologies such as data centers and advanced hardware consume significant amounts of electricity and raw materials from the earth. Pakistan supports developing international standards that will promote the use of renewable energy in digital networks and encourage the adoption of improved energy-efficient technologies, such as the preestablished Data Vault Pakistan, an AI optimized, solar-powered data center in Karachi.
Additionally, Pakistan stresses the importance of technological equity. As a developing nation, Pakistan and others lack the infrastructure and proficiency to wholly benefit from AI usage. This risks strengthening preexisting global inequalities and reinforcing an inefficient use of resources. Therefore, Pakistan advocates for broader regulated access to artificial intelligence tools, technical education, and inclusive international collaboration. However, Pakistan strongly highlights the necessity of UN governance and oversight of military AI, as there are significant possible consequences from unregulated military use.
Pakistan’s current position is stable in national and international frameworks, such as the 2025 National AI Policy, which prioritizes AI as a tool, using it for climate adaptation, precision agriculture, and disaster management. Additionally, Pakistan is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which reinforces a commitment to climate resilience and environmental protection. UNEP resolutions and framework on resource management and sustainable tools can further support collective action to minimize the harmful environmental impacts of advancing artificial intelligence.
Pakistan views AI as a powerful tool with the potential to advance sustainable development and opportunities for the international community to collaborate and work towards a more environmentally efficient future. By promoting energy-efficient systems and technological equity, Pakistan believes that all nations can collectively utilize AI’s abilities and address these environmental challenges while also strengthening inclusive growth. Pakistan looks forward to collaborating with fellow nations within the UNEP to work towards solutions.

Works Cited:
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication – National Artificial Intelligence Policy, 2024 (moitt.gov.pk)
Cyber World Insight – Why Pakistan Needs Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Strategic Necessity, Not A Choice, 2025 (cyberworldinsight.com)
Paradigm Shift – The National AI Policy (2025) of Pakistan, 2025 (paradigmshift.com.pk)
United Nations – Paris Agreement, 2015 (un.org)

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Greece
Delegate Name: Avi Messamore

Committee: United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Greece
School: Mattawan High School

AI has boundless potential when it comes to improving society as a whole. AI is being used to develop more efficient practices in health care, transportation, education, and more. Although AI was being developed and improved upon since the 1900s, it took until 1990 for AI to live up to its title of “intelligence”. Alongside the positive developments of AI are the negative effects. Data centres require massive amounts of resources to function. The amount of water used to cool data centres is comparable to that required to run entire countries. And depending on the country, more than a nation’s entire water supply (globally, 6 times that of Denmark). And to use just one search through generative AI uses 10 times the amount of energy as a Google search. AI is a wonderful tool, but steps must be taken to make sure the cost is not more than the benefits.
Greece is eager to take advantage of AI’s potential; we have already begun implementing AI to minimise tax fraud, improve transportation efficiency, and improve education and research. Data centres are predicted to create around 20,000 new jobs for Greece’s citizens by 2030. AI is anticipated to be a turning point in Greece’s economy, with an expected contribution of up to 25% of Greece’s GDP. Alongside the societal impact, Greece has been using AI to help the environment. Greece has developed AI to work in wildfire detection, monitor water scarcity, boost energy efficiency, and decrease CO2 emissions. Greece has faced many environmental concerns and believes that AI is a powerful tool that can be used to mitigate these dangers. When implementing AI and constructing data centres, Greece stresses the importance of transparency and ethics. AI should create more positives than negatives, so it’s important to ensure that citizens are safe and that the economy and environment are not being hindered. Greece is also concerned about the amount of water required to maintain these data centres, as the country is already dealing with intense water scarcity. Another concern with the data centres is the amount of carbon emissions created from using fossil fuels to run them; luckily, Greece is already moving towards renewable energy sources to combat these emissions, but the concern remains. Greece plans to generate 61% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Greece is also a part of the EU, and through the Energy Efficiency Directive, AI databases are required to report their carbon emissions twice a year, partially increasing transparency. Greece’s overall environmental and societal intentions are to have AI’s benefits outweigh its costs.
The delegation of Greece will not support a resolution banning AI altogether or placing restrictions on its use. Instead, we should directly look at solutions to resource consumption. The delegation of Greece recommends further research to decrease the negative environmental impacts of data centres. It’s imperative to find ways to decrease their extensive energy, water, and fossil fuel reliance. We should also consider constructing (and researching) alternative cooling systems to water. If nations have not already started to move towards renewable sources for running data centres, they should take steps to do so. It is also practical for countries to improve the transparency of their data centres and to remain ethical as AI continues to gain relevance. Greece is eager to work alongside fellow delegates to build a more environmentally sound world regarding AI.

References:
https://www.mtu.edu/computing/ai/#:~:text=What%20is%20AI-,What%20is%20Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)?,you’ve%20interacted%20with%20AI.
https://cosmosphilly.com/greece-becomes-a-digital-gateway-inside-the-countrys-data-center-boom/#:~:text=The%20policy%20environment%20has%20made,hurdles%2C%20the%20outlook%20stays%20positive.
https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/09/22/how-greece-is-using-big-data-drones-and-ai-to-overhaul-its-tax-and-finance-sector
https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/greece-information-technology-national-ai-strategy
https://greekreporter.com/2025/09/19/greece-ai-public-services-efficiency-transparency/
https://babl.ai/greece-unveils-ambitious-blueprint-to-lead-ai-transformation/
https://greekreporter.com/2025/09/09/greece-tackles-water-scarcity-ai-powered-waterwise-project/
https://iclei-europe.org/news?AI_and_technology_lead_climate_action_in_Greece_&newsID=6f1pkP0d#:~:text=Greece%20has%20been%20grappling%20with%20climate%20change,problems%20like%20rising%20CO2%20emissions%20and%20pollution
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2199853125001131
https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/02/10/data-centres-could-strain-europes-power-supply-by-2030-report-warns

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Lia Rohrschneider

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been on the rise in more recent times, which causes lots of
natural resources to be used and incites environmental issues. A few prominent examples are
the following: usage of electricity, increased greenhouse gases, and high water usage. Artificial
Intelligence itself is a tool that most companies use to process information and imitate human
thinking. The United Nations itself has not done anything against the rise of artificial intelligence,
but they have been attempting to regulate the usage of it. For example, the UN Secretary
General established a High-Level Advisory Body on AI.
As a delegate from the Central African Republic, we find ourselves not very involved in
the entire process and usage of Artificial Intelligence itself. As a country, we are in the early
stages of our digital integration, and there hasn’t been much development with the usage of artificial
intelligence. The Central African Republic is also limited on resources that are required for the
usage of AI, so that would make it even harder to incorporate that into our country. As a country,
however, we have banned (by the government) a popular generative AI, ChatGPT. We have
already taken steps to get rid of some forms of AI in our country. While we have not passed any
laws that totally or somewhat prohibit it, we participate in practices to regulate it and manage it.
For example, the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, which highlights the fact that AI
should be managed by focusing on six pillars, which include: talent, data, compute infrastructure,
market development, investment, and governance. The Central African Republic has signed on
this document, which shows that our country is acting to manage Artificial Intelligence.
The Central African Republic would like to implement measures against Artificial
Intelligence. We would accomplish this by limiting the amount of resources that are used by
countries and also ensuring that the spread of AI is limited. We are also planning to partner with
other countries that support limiting Artificial Intelligence. We will not be fully banning it, as
it can still be useful in some specific categories. However, we will be limiting it so that the
measures it takes on the environment and the resources that are available will not be as drastic
and limited.

Works Cited
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/artificial-intelligence
https://aiworld.eu/geo/central-african-republic
https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/9-african-countries-with-restricted-chatgpt-acces
s-and-ai-adoption/pyjqxj1
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-where-chatgpt-is-banned-in-2025/
https://c4ir.rw/docs/Africa-Declaration-on-Artificial-Intelligence.pdf

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Nav Murali

United Nations Environment Programme
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Navaneet Murali
Forest Hills Eastern High School

The topic of Artificial Intelligence and resource consumption is fairly new to the world, but still very important for smaller countries with little infrastructure. For example, small countries with limited infrastructure could use the help of AI with smart grid optimization. AI can estimate electricity demand, and it can also prevent uploads. Once AI has been implemented in small countries, the biggest problem would be electricity. With all these data servers constructed for the generation of AI, the use of water consumption is insane. In order to cool the data servers, lots of water is used. For smaller countries to produce these data servers, recycled water, air cooling, or solar-powered cooling systems need to be implemented. As stated by the United Nations, they need more global cooperation with AI for it to advance in the world.

The Republic of Iraq supports the growth of artificial intelligence, but Iraq doesn’t have the money and resources for AI in our country. Iraq has a weak infrastructure, and the help of AI could help Iraq. The biggest problem Iraq has with the construction of AI is the resources. AI needs huge amounts of electricity and water to run these large data servers, and Iraq is already struggling with power shortages, failing grids, and water scarcity. In order for AI databases to be published in Iraq, we will need the help of bigger countries to supply us with resources and construction. In return, Iraq has high value in oil and gas geology. Once AI gets implemented in Iraq, we will have a stronger national security as AI can support threat detection, border monitoring, and cybersecurity.

In summary, AI can greatly help the Republic of Iraq by creating a stronger national security. In order for the construction of artificial intelligence to happen, Iraq will need support from big countries. In return, Iraq will give some of its most valuable resources, oil. By investing in efficient AI systems today, Iraq can turn a small country into a promising nation.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Yasin Avdic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad term that can describe many technologies spanning from the 1950’s to our current time. It is just a term for technology that can process information and, on the surface, mimic human intelligence. However, in recent years, AI has grown at an unprecedented rate, allowing for its application to be more effective in many different facets of the day to day. It is now capable of detecting patterns in data, using knowledge fed to it to predict future outcomes, and using vast sums of content to respond to people’s questions (acting human) or to create images. These innovations increase processes in many industries greatly and aid with many jobs in multiple, unique ways. The problem with this new use of AI, is that because of how much it is being used daily, many large scale AI facilities require massive warehouses filled with processing units that contain rare earth minerals that are commonly mined in destructive ways. On top of this, the waste that is produced from creating these processors for the AI to run leads to harmful materials like lead and mercury. Plus, the amount of water globally used in AI structures may end up being six times more water than Denmark, which is a waste when many areas are suffering from a lack of water. The approach to this new technology varies with each government. From restricting certain apps that use AI, implementing certain regulations, directing on specific instances to use AI, and all the way to still assessing the full scale of AI before fully implementing anything, many countries are focusing on this and working to quickly create a solution to this seemingly new technology. Russia recognizes AI as a growing technology and leans into it, with certain precautions to ensure morals and safety and consent of citizens.

Russia has recognized many of these acts and the growth of AI, but sees AI as a helpful tool when used correctly. With a goal of having AI products being created in Russia, there will be more job opportunities for people within the country, independence from foreign suppliers, and a strengthening of national security, ensuring that peoples’ data aren’t being compromised. There is 650 billion rubles in the AI market and Russia aims to expand on that with sufficient concern for environmental impact. Russia has taken certain initiatives to lower climate impact, with socioeconomic development plans that will achieve low domestic emissions by 2050, implementing a national voluntary carbon market, and instating a carbon neutrality initiative, but has not tackled ways to lower carbon emissions through the lowering of processor/ AI development. Russia has many rare earth minerals that can contribute to the production of AI. Russia’s mineral riches account for 20% or more of the world’s rare earths stockpile. This stockpile could significantly enhance the use of AI through the creation of processing chips, allowing for that 650 billion rubles market to expand and offer more opportunities for people job-wise. Russia highlights the importance of working with the people to ensure the introduction of AI goes smoothly, with an AI code of ethics that 250 Russian companies have signed onto. This code highlights the protections and interests in the rights of people.

With Russia’s abundance of rare earth minerals and the positive impacts of AI when carefully monitored, the Russian Delegation would like to propose the idea of expanding on these facilities through the increased production of processing units and the focus on environmental efforts to counter the impacts of the manufacturing initiative. Russia has the resources to uphold such an economy with their rare earth minerals and already has instated several plans to ensure climate-safety. Taking a page from Britain’s AI, Russia could apply certain plans, like a carbon neutrality initiative, more aggressively onto companies, allowing for emissions to be quelled early as this new AI market starts up. These products could be exported to UN countries at a lower price, allowing all of the UN to get a foothold in this market as Russia aims to expand it.

Works Cited:

http://government.ru/en/news/49604/

https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/russias-strategic-approach-climate-change

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/artificial-intelligence-ai-end-end-environmental-impact-full-ai-lifecycle-needs-be

https://wedocs.unep.org/rest/api/core/bitstreams/07b3c8fc-bd30-4b92-b5f4-d665e927b59d/content

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/04/italy-has-banned-chatgpt-heres-what-other-countries-are-doing.html

https://www.ginc.org/russias-national-ai-strategy/

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250331/what-rare-earths-does-russia-have-and-where-are-these-riches-located-1121722171.html

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Siddhant Sinha

United Nations Environment Programme
Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Siddhant Sinha
Forest Hills Eastern

Welcome honorable chair and esteemed delegates, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is here to discuss with you all the impact of climate change on air quality in the UN. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is debating the Impact of Climate Change on Air Quality because climate change is directly reshaping atmospheric conditions, amplifying harmful pollutants such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter, wildfire smoke, dust, and allergens. This topic is critically important because deteriorating air quality is already responsible for millions of premature deaths globally each year, and climate-driven changes are projected to intensify pollution exposure, especially in developing countries lacking strong monitoring and mitigation systems. Scientific evidence from UNEP shows that higher temperatures accelerate ozone formation, climate change extends pollen seasons and intensifies allergen production, and increased droughts and wildfires release vast quantities of soot and fine particulates. UNEP’s Integrated Assessment of Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa highlights that African countries are particularly vulnerable because climate impacts combine with existing pollution from transport, biomass burning, industry, and poor waste management. Nigeria sees this issue as urgent: climate change already worsens dust storms, heat-driven ozone occurrences, urban pollution, and burning emissions. Studies show that more than 21,000 Nigerians die annually from carbon dioxide exposure, much of it linked to household fuel use and burning practices that are made worse by climate-amplified heat and weather instability. Nigeria has taken steps to address this intersection through its National Action Plan to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (NAP-SLCP), which aims for major reductions in, black carbon, methane,and other pollutants by 2030; the plan, approved by the National Council of Ministers, outlines sector-specific actions in transport, household energy, agriculture, and waste. The country is also developing a Health National Adaptation Plan to integrate climate-driven air-quality risks into national health responses, while national institutions-supported by UNDP-have strengthened governance linking climate and air pollution with natural resource management. Research institutions such as ICEESR are studying Nigeria’s climate-pollution dynamics for use in adaptation policies. Despite this progress, Nigeria recognizes that climate change will continue to worsen air-quality challenges unless action to address the interrelated problems is coordinated. Nigeria will further develop air-quality monitoring networks, enhance emission standards, promote clean-cooking measures to reduce black carbon,cleaner transport, and investments in renewable-energy-powered urban development to cut both pollution and greenhouse gases. Nigeria calls for UNEP to support global and regional frameworks that integrate climate and air-quality planning, establish common standards, and provide technical and financial support to developing countries. Because Nigeria believes strongly that solutions must be integrated, science-based, and health-centered, reducing short-lived pollutants offers an immediate opportunity to both protect public health and slow near-term climate warming.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Siddhant Sinha

United Nations Environment Programme
Artificial Intelligence & Resource Consumption
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Siddhant Sinha
Forest Hills Eastern

Welcome honorable chair and esteemed delegates, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is here to discuss the use of artificial intelligence and resource consumption. The United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) is debating Artificial Intelligence and resource consumption because AI systems-especially large-scale models, data centers, and high-performance computers are accelerating global energy demand, water usage, material extraction, and e-waste production. As AI adoption surges, global data centres already consume over 1.5% of global electricity, and it is projected that AI-related demand could double or even triple by 2030, straining national grids, increasing greenhouse-gas emissions in regions reliant on fossil fuels, and intensifying water stress in communities. This matter is considered critically important because the environmental impact of AI spans its full lifecycle-from mining of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals, to the continuous operation of inference needed for wide public and commercial use. Meanwhile AI holds powerful potential to support sustainability through enhancements in environmental monitoring, renewable-energy management, pollution detection, and precision agriculture; hence, the United Nations Environment Programme makes an effort to ensure that AI’s many benefits are maximized while its environmental costs are minimized. We do not view this duality any less important than that the nation recognizes AI as a vital enabler of digital transformation,but underscores that it needs to be developed responsibly with energy efficiency and in an environmentally friendly way. Nigeria has already taken steps through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, National Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030), and NITDA’s AI Transformation Roadmap, all of which put importance on governance, innovation, and capacity building. Having said that, traditionally, Nigeria has taken initiatives to integrate AI into areas like agriculture, education, health, and environmental management, including national programs for increased digital literacy and the encouragement of domestic research. Going forward, Nigeria will seek to embed environmental impact assessments directly into AI governance frameworks; encourage the creation and use of leaner, smaller-scale, locally adapted models; invest in renewable-energy-powered data centres; and expand cooperation with ECOWAS(Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union on shared regional standards for sustainable AI deployment. At the international level, Nigeria calls upon the UNEP to adopt global guidelines for lifecycle assessments, establish a clear framework for reporting on AI-related electricity, water, and material consumption, and put in place a technical assistance and finance mechanism that would support developing countries in building green digital infrastructure. Nigeria firmly believes that AI must be an environmental protector and not an emerging pollutant; further, global cooperation, equity, and investment in sustainable technology provide the framework for ensuring that AI development is beneficial and environmentally sustainable to all Member States of the Union.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Breck Suvedi

Economic and Social Council
Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Peru
Breck Suvedi
Forest Hills Northern High School

Among all modern technologies, AI is one of the most resource-intensive. Training and operating large AI models requires massive amounts of electricity, water, and minerals such as copper and lithium. As major corporations expand AI datacenters, environmental pressure mounts-especially on countries supplying these materials. Rich in many essential minerals, Peru experiences these impacts firsthand. Mining linked with the demand for global technology has contributed to water shortages, polluted river systems, and put indigenous communities at risk. AI holds great promise for sustainability and scientific progress, but if not developed under robust global standards, it is likely to exacerbate environmental degradation.

The Republic of Peru welcomes the progress in artificial intelligence, but it is necessary to do this task with responsibility. Peru plays an important role in AI supply chains-a top copper and silver producer, with new lithium reserves opening up in Puno-but does not share equally in the economic fruits and too often pays the environmental costs. For that reason, Peru aspires toward better resource governance, more transparency of supply chains, and full respect for Indigenous rights. Artificial intelligence must not come at the cost of vulnerable people or of local ecosystems.

These are steps that Peru has already taken toward sustainable mining and protection of the environment. Through the MINAM and OEFA, Peru enforces EIAs and regulates the use of water in mining areas. The country has also joined other regional agreements concerned with responsible extraction, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Agreement. Peru uses AI, although in a limited manner: for certain controlled uses that benefit agriculture, climate monitoring, and public administration. What’s more, the Consulta Previa law protects the rights of indigenous communities to prior consultations before every major undertaking of resource extraction.

Peru encourages UNEP to adopt strong, collaborative measures that will make AI development sustainable. Data centers shall be made to report on electricity use, water consumption, and carbon emissions while transitioning toward renewable energy. The international community should establish a UN framework for responsible extraction of copper, lithium, and other key minerals, including tracking systems to avoid illegal mining and violations of Indigenous lands. Peru also asks for technology transfer that provides cleaner mining tools, water-recycling systems, and low-emission processing methods. It could also be proposed that an environmental restoration fund, contributed to by the major AI companies, support the recovery of ecosystems and communities impacted by mining. Further cooperation among Andean nations would also serve to ensure that regional mineral resources are managed sustainably. Peru is committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence becomes a tool for sustainable progress, and not destruction to the environment. As a crucial supplier of minerals that are basic to AI, Peru urges UNEP and all member states to establish fair, transparent, and environmentally responsible standards. With shared responsibility and international cooperation, AI can develop in a way that protects both people and the planet.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Cindy Jiang

AI is at the forefront of 21st-century innovation, transforming productivity, scientific research, and daily life. Although AI developed steadily through the late 20th century, its growth has peaked dramatically since 2022 with rapid breakthroughs in language models, generative technologies, and advanced coding tools. However, despite these immense benefits, we cannot overlook the significant environmental strain created by large-scale AI data centers and the growing energy demands of modern AI systems. Like many developing nations, Bangladesh has seen these innovations emerge on a smaller scale, influencing sectors ranging from education to healthcare. However, Bangladesh does not represent a country at the forefront of AI development, in fact, most AI resources and tools are imported by leading countries like the US or China. As a country that is vulnerable to weather events like flooding and tropical storms, AI infrastructure must be considered in relation to its resource vulnerabilities. Specifically, AI data centers require massive amounts of electricity and water for continuous computation and cooling. AI data centers differ from traditional ones, as they are specifically designed for AI and machine learning tasks with high intensity workloads. As a result, they require more energy and cooling to keep up with continuous processing demands. This high energy use leads to increased CO₂ emissions, contributing to climate change. For example, Stanford University’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) found that GPT-3 (2020) produced approximately 588 tons of CO₂ during training, equal to the annual emissions of 32 average Americans. Together, these factors place substantial strain on the environment, affecting human health, ecosystems, and long-term resource availability.
With global concerns kept in mind, Bangladesh prioritizes many climate-induced strategic aims within its 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to overcome this topical issue: affordable and clean energy; responsible consumption and production; sustainable cities and communities; and industry, innovation, and infrastructure. These specific aims highlight Bangladesh’s commitment to protecting the environment while still supporting national development. Additionally, Bangladesh is a committed signatory to the Paris Agreement (2015). The agreement serves as an international treaty that combats climate change by reviewing countries’ emissions and providing funds for developing countries to keep the global temperature under 2°C, mitigating the effects of climate change and global warming. We call for responsible AI development that is fair and equitable for all countries globally, balancing sustainable resource use, and the protection of climate vulnerable countries, especially as AI data centers rely heavily on natural resources and produce significant CO₂ emissions. We offer a few possible solutions to approach AI development —modeling off the Paris Agreement— including reviewing countries’ ai energy consumption and carbon emissions, establishing a worldwide clean AI development fund for developing countries, and implementing “green” AI data centers that rely on clean, renewable, and sustainable energy sources. This fund would not only support the creation of climate-resilient data centers, but also incentivize research on more efficient AI models, such as elephant and bee models, to reduce overall energy consumption. In conclusion, Bangladesh urges the international community to recognize the importance of sustainable AI development and the risks associated with high-consumption AI systems. We call for a collaborative global commitment that supports developing nations in expanding technological capability while protecting the peace of our world’s people and planet.

Works Cited

“About the UN in Bangladesh.” United Nations,
https://bangladesh.un.org/en/about/about-the-un
“AI for Climate Action Innovation.” United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), https://unfccc.int/ttclear/tec/aica_forum#:~:text=The%20AI%20for%20Climate%20Action,climate%20change%20in%20developing%20countries
Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook: Bangladesh – Economy,
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/bangladesh/#economy
IBM. “AI Data Center.” IBM Think,
https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-data-center
Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). AI Index Report 2025, Chapter 1,
https://hai.stanford.edu/assets/files/hai_ai-index-report-2025_chapter1_final.pdf
UNFCCC. “AI for Climate Action – Technical Paper.” UNFCCC,
https://unfccc.int/ttclear/misc_/StaticFiles/gnwoerk_static/aica_forum/357118cf9f8a4099918a4ff7085b9004/d7a5aebf2ca24c57982b35e9fa26e4e8.pdf
United Nations. “The Paris Agreement.” United Nations Climate Change,
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Rosa Lascola

Delegation: Türkiye

Committee: United NATIONS Environment Programme

Artificial intelligence is all around most people in the world, even if they do not know it. Studies show that about 78% of businesses around the world use AI in some aspects of their business (Shewale). Artificial intelligence is a technology that can mimic human thinking. While AI is useful in some cases, it also uses a lot of resources. Data centers use lots of water to make sure the AI technology stays cool, electricity to run everything and land to build these data centers on. While building artificial intelligence, lithium, cobalt, and other earth materials are needed (Critical). These materials are not found everywhere. Countries that do not have these materials need to trade with other countries that do have them (Critical). This can become difficult as not all countries are willing to trade with one another. Over the past few years, the recent boom in AI has caused more of these resources to be used. This causes conflict between data centers and people in the area over these resources (background guide). Artificial intelligence has many good qualities and bad qualities. This causes some countries to be for AI and others to be against it. It all depends on the country’s specific ideas and values.

Türkiye believes that artificial intelligence is a valuable resource for their people. They have implemented a national Artificial Intelligence Strategy Steering Committee to help create the national policies on AI (Turkey). This committee focuses on educating citizens, increasing employment, supporting research activities, entrepreneurship and innovation, developing access to quality data and technical infrastructure, improving international cooperation, and accelerating structural and workforce transformation, all relating to AI (Turkey). Türkiye believes that artificial intelligence is a valuable resource when used correctly, which is why they put this committee in place. The plan currently is to boost the employment in the artificial intelligence field to 50,000 people (Turkey). This will then boost the country’s economics by creating more jobs. Not only does Türkiye feel the need to support AI in their own country, but they also support international AI. They are an active contributor to international organizations which specialize in cross border data sharing in relation to AI (Turkey). Türkiye is also looking to become a top 20 country for international AI (Turkey). Artificial intelligence does hold some problems. It uses a lot of resources that are also needed for other things. Türkiye feels that they still want to use AI, even if it uses many resources (AI). They are also willing to find new ways to use AI without using all the resources that are currently being used, but until then they will continue to use it as is.

While Türkiye is mostly focused on advancing and maintaining their own artificial intelligence, they are willing to help other nations. Türkiye participates in international AI organizations, which work to advance artificial intelligence for everyone. As for resources that AI uses, Türkiye is willing to look for better resources for this product, but they will continue to produce the current AI as is. They feel that it is too valuable of a resource to not use. If we can transition artificial intelligence data centers to become more energy efficient and work to condense the hardware and software to smaller versions, more energy and resources could be saved in the long run. Türkiye is also willing to share their plans for their Artificial Intelligence Strategy Steering Committee, to help other nations with their AI usage.

“AI Regulation in Turkey: KVKK, Risk Tiers, EU Alignment.” AI Regulation in Turkey: KVKK, Risk Tiers, EU Alignment, Nemko Digital B.V., digital.nemko.com/regulations/ai-regulation-in-turkey#:~:text=Turkey%20has%20not%20yet%20adopted,become%20more%20prevalent%20across%20industries. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025. 

Critical Minerals, Critical Moment: Africa’s Role in the AI Revolution | ODI: Think Change, odi.org/en/insights/critical-minerals-critical-moment-africas-role-in-the-ai-revolution/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025. 

Shewale, Rohit, and Siddhi Naik. “Ai Statistics (2025) Total Users, Funding, Usage, and More.” Resourcera, 15 July 2025, resourcera.com/data/artificial-intelligence/ai-statistics/.

Turkey Publishes Its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy | AI Business, aibusiness.com/verticals/turkey-publishes-its-national-artificial-intelligence-strategy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025. 

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Xinyu Wang

Poland recognises the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping global economic and environmental systems. While AI offers powerful tools for improving resource efficiency and sustainability, it also raises concerns about rising energy use and raw material demand. As a member of the European Union, Poland supports responsible AI development that advances environmental protection and efficient resource use.
Poland’s “Policy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in Poland 2020” sets national goals for ethical and environmentally conscious AI. The government has prioritized digital innovation in energy, industry, and public services to support the transition toward a circular economy. However, the growing energy demand of data centers and electronic waste remains a challenge.
Poland promotes sustainable AI practices by encouraging green data-centre standards, supporting AI-driven waste reduction, and funding research on energy-efficient computing. Poland also recommends global cooperation to create AI tools that improve recycling, track resource use, and help industries lower emissions. Additionally, Poland supports international partnerships to share best practices and ethical frameworks ensuring AI serves environmental goals.
Poland believes that with the right global standards and technology sharing, AI can become a driver of sustainability rather than a source of greater consumption. By integrating innovation with responsibility, members can ensure that AI strengthens environmental stewardship and global resource efficiency.
Sources:
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/poland/#environment
https://stip.oecd.org/stip/interactive-dashboards/policy-initiatives/2025%2Fdata%2FpolicyInitiatives%2F26494

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Ruby Walker

While Brazil is not a leader of AI development on a global scale, it is making rapid advancements in AI usage and is at the forefront of AI development in Latin America along with the country of Chile. Due to Brazil’s continuously growing tech ecosystem and renewable energy infrastructure, it has been able to make rapid developments and foster innovation in AI usage. Brazil has lower scientific production rates, meaning results of research and scientific work, then other leading countries in AI development. However, they have a high rate of company adoption, meaning that many of their leading companies are actively and strategically integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. This displays how Brazil takes an approach to AI development that supports economic growth and human values as opposed to scientific results. However, in recent years, Brazil has become more focused on prioritizing the development and exportation of crucial resources that contribute to the development of AI, shifting their focus and utilizing the abundance of resources that makes Brazil unique and sets them apart from other countries around the world that focus on the development of AI.

Brazil has a significant amount of mineral resources. In fact, Brazil currently has the second-largest reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) in the world. They have also become a major exporter of lithium in recent years, and also hold substantial reserves of other important minerals, including cobalt, silicon, and others. Because of their large amount of important mineral resources, the government has shifted their focus to the development of these resources with the goal of becoming a major player in the global supply chain, instead of just exporting raw materials and missing out on the monetary gain of developing these materials themselves. However, Brazil faces a major challenge to obtain and develop these materials due to a lack of investment and infrastructure. For example, Brazil currently has only one functioning mine, which is located in the central state of Goiás. However, Brazil has plans to combat this issue. Earlier this year, Brazil built South America’s first rare earth element magnet plant called CIT SENAI ITR, located in Minas Gerais, with the goal of becoming a player in the global AI hardware component market as opposed to being only a consumer, by developing and exporting their large reserve of REEs. Brazil has also recently launched the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan 2024-2028, with the goal of investing resources into infrastructure, talent, and innovation regarding AI innovation, while also maintaining ethical guidelines and regulatory framework for the responsible usage of artificial intelligence. However, it is important to note that the mining and usage of the artificial intelligence resources that Brazil has an abundant supply of are often extremely harmful for the environment. While Brazil claims to place a focus on being environmentally conscious, there is still more they could be doing to protect the environment by following UNEP recommendations, such as establishing standardized procedures for measuring the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, and developing regulations that require companies to be transparent regarding the environmental consequences of AI. They could also place a greater focus on sustainable mining practices when harvesting these resources, and reducing fresh water consumption in the development of these resources.

Many steps are being taken globally to reduce AI’s impact on the environment. For example, in 2021, UNESCO established the first global standard on AI ethics – officially called the “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”- in order to minimize the risks of artificial intelligence while still benefiting from the scientific breakthroughs being made. One of the reasons that this recommendation is beneficial is due to its policy action areas, which are categories such as environment and ecosystems which policymakers can apply to their specific areas of research and action in order to be compliant with UNESCO’s recommendations. The EU has also introduced AI regulations with data usage controls in order to minimize the environmental damage of AI, passing the EU AI Act in March of 2024. The EU’s parliament wanted AI to be safe and environmentally friendly, and they attempted to achieve this goal by banning many AI applications used in the European Union. As Brazil continues to develop and grow in the global artificial intelligence market, it is important for them to remember to follow the guidelines set in place by global organizations, and to prioritize environmental morality and promote ethical values over money.

Works cited

European Parliament. “EU AI Act: First Regulation on Artificial Intelligence.” European Parliament, 19 Feb. 2025, www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20230601STO93804/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence.

Environment, UN. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) End-To-End: The Environmental Impact of the Full AI Lifecycle Needs to Be Comprehensively Assessed.” UNEP – UN Environment Programme, 2024, www.unep.org/resources/report/artificial-intelligence-ai-end-end-environmental-impact-full-ai-lifecycle-needs-be .

Knight, Will. “The United Nations Wants to Treat AI with the Same Urgency as Climate Change.” WIRED, WIRED, 19 Sept. 2024, www.wired.com/story/united-nations-artificial-intelligence-report/

Malleret, Constance. “Rare Earth Reserves Are in Global Demand. Can Brazil Change the Playbook?” The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2025, www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2025/0827/brazil-rare-earths-trump

UNEP. “AI Has an Environmental Problem. Here’s What the World Can Do about That.” UNEP, 21 Sept. 2024, www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about.

UNESCO. “Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.” UNESCO, www.unesco.org/en/artificial-intelligence/recommendation-ethics.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Margaret Leahy

Country: Argentina
Delegate: Margaret Leahy
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption

Artificial usage globally has skyrocketed in recent years with AI. Approximately 66 percent of the world uses AI on a daily basis. The pure utilization of AI in recent years contributes to increased water and electricity consumption. AI has nearly doubled in only two years and has increased to over one trillion dollars. Stanford University said that AI business usage of 78 percent of businesses report on working with AI. Models that work with AI require large amounts of water to cool down these systems leading to excessive water consumption. This has a major impact on places where water is scarce.
Argentina is working on policies that regulate artificial intelligence and help mitigate resource consumption. A bill that Argentina has proposed has ethical guidelines and draft legislation to make sure AI aligns with international standards, as well as helping local innovation. In addition, Argentina has focused on sustainability with their National Energy Transitional Plan which would concentrate on becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Argentina´s plan wants to boost renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices across sectors. Overall, Argentina feels positive about artificial intelligence, however Argentina wants to make sure it is not getting out of hand by using AI-driven solutions. For example, Argentina would like to use drought shields that detect environmental stress and protect crops from damaging factors. AI is also being used to optimize irrigation in Argentina and has proven to work well by cutting water usage up to 20 percent.
One way that Argentina could improve its AI usage so that it balances innovation and sustainability is to employ AI models that specifically target for resource optimization. Such as precise irrigation systems or crop monitoring tools. Also, partnering with universities and startups to create a modified solution that benefits all countries. Argentina also aspires to implement transparent and more ethical guidelines for AI. This would ensure technology is acceptable and beneficial in the long run. Additionally, Argentina would like to partner with other countries who feel the same way about AI usage and that want to further invest in countries who share the same ideas about artificial intelligence.

Works Cited
Allende. “Navigating the AI Landscape in Argentina: Data Protection, Guidelines & Judicial Responses.” 11 September 2025, https://allende.com/en/technology/artificial-intelligence/navigating-the-ai-landscape-in-argentina-data-protection-guidelines-judicial-responses-09-11-2025/#:~:text=This%20proposal%20for%20the%20public,not%20hesitate%20to%20contact%20us.
ITA. “Argentina – Digital Economy.” International Trade Administration, 1 August 2025, https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/argentina-digital-economy. Accessed 24 November 2025.
Stanford University. “Artificial Intelligence | Stanford Report.” Stanford Report, https://news.stanford.edu/artificial-intelligence. Accessed 24 November 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: France
Delegate Name: Gloria Turner

Country: France
Delegate: Gloria Turner
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: AI and Resource Consumption

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major new technology over the last decade and has exploded in the past few years. AI has become an everyday tool for many, easily accessible and without limitations. At first glance, it seems like a valuable resource that can process information and provide solutions that are accessible for everyone. The reality is, the fake world of AI is actively destroying our very own and ruining the planet to the point of no return. While AI might seem harmless to some, the physical ramifications of it are all too real. AI data centers consume immense amounts of water and energy, as well as unsustainably mined rare materials that exploit workers and generate an immense amount of electronic waste. Unfortunately, AI is so new that the world hasn’t yet been able to estimate its full environmental impact, but the information the world has now calls for alarm. Because AI is so new, many countries have done little to combat this issue.

France has taken a nuanced approach when it comes to AI. In 2021, France mandated security in data, as well as promoting AI and supporting the OpenEuroLLM Project. The OpenEuroLLM Project is an EU-backed and funded plan to advance AI even further. During the AI Paris Summit in February of 2025, France’s ideas were confirmed further. France’s 2030 investment plan alone is funding more than 109 billion euros in the country’s AI investment, which involves development and simpler legislation for AI. However, the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, believes that AI is not just a technological tool, but is a political one as well. He went on to say that the US and China were Europe’s main AI competitors, but were open to collaboration. Macron calls his view of AI the “third way,” which provides a more complex insight into AI sovereignty that centers on collaboration with other countries, interdependence, and setting themselves apart from the US and China. Concerning privacy issues, the government has funded domestic AI technology companies to reduce security breaches. This view comes in the form of an alliance between France, India, and other European and non-European countries. Macron has proposed efforts to support India’s AI industry, as well as receiving funding from the UAE, as well as companies and investors from Canada, America, and domestically for France’s AI project, Stargate.

France is heavily influenced by US politics and procedures on AI, as the US has shown strong support for AI within the last and current presidency. France’s competition with China has prompted private companies to compete within the AI industry. While France is a global leader in material research and science, it is not a country in which raw materials are harvested. France, in collaboration with the UN Environmental Program and the International Telecommunication Union, created the Coalition for Sustainable AI. The project was launched at the Paris AI Action Summit, which focuses on a collaborative approach to AI while keeping in mind global ethics and UN environmental standards. Companies and institutions are allowed to become members, while governments and international organizations are allowed to be supporters, as both roles support the Coalition as a whole. Considering 70% of France’s electricity comes from nuclear power plants, a clean energy source, France also plans to harness nuclear power with AI development, as France keeps in mind the environmental effects of AI. France would be interested in working with: US, UK, Germany, NATO, EU, and G7.

Sources:
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/ai-has-environmental-problem-heres-what-world-can-do-about
https://www.sustainableaicoalition.org/
https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/france-sovereign-ai-infrastructure/
https://www.gzeromedia.com/gzero-ai/france-puts-the-ai-in-laissez-faire

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Isabel Santini

Country: Italy
Delegate: Isabel Santini
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption

The Italian Republic acknowledges the grave environmental consequences AI causes despite its transformative capabilities. AI has significantly grown more prevalent in countries around the world because of its efficiency and versatility in everyday life. Its ability to accurately analyze large amounts of data has made AI very appealing even to governments. However, this potential does not overshadow AI’s ever-increasing demand for electricity, water, and other critical resources that many rely on to live. Unregulated, AI could drastically increase energy use, carbon emissions, and resource depletion, all of which would significantly harm the planet. This consumption highlights the importance of implementing a sustainable and energy efficient plan to protect the environment and reduce the amount of carbon emissions and resource demand.

Italy recognizes AI as a revolutionary tool that has the power to help millions but, because of its severe environmental drawbacks, needs to be closely regulated. Italy pushes for a sustainable and ethical approach for AI in the hopes of obtaining a green future. Through agencies like the Agenzia per I’Italia Digitale (AGID), Italy coordinates and enforces digital technologies including AI policies and sustainability initiatives. The AGID ensures that Italy’s policies surrounding AI align with the EU Coordinated Plan, a guideline that Italy directly follows and supports. The EU Coordinated Plan provides a unified and sustainable framework for AI development to improve energy efficiency and promote low-resource AI models.

Italy would propose addressing the ecological strain caused by AI by promoting an approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside technological advancement. Italy supports the use of energy-efficient AI that would utilize renewable energy like wind and solar power, something that it is already heavily investing in. With this, Italy would also support the funding going towards the research and development of sustainable hardware. Overall, it would promote international cooperation on sustainable artificial intelligence that would adhere to the EU Coordinated Plan on AI. Italy urges other nations to take initiative to help support the prevention of environmental issues caused by AI. Italy expects to find allies in other nations committed to green innovation such as France and Spain.

Works Cited
European Commission. “Italy AI Strategy Report.” https://ai-watch.ec.europa.eu/countries/italy/italy-ai-strategy-report_en.
“ITALIAN STRATEGY FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 2024-2026.” Agid, 22 July 2024, https://www.agid.gov.it/sites/agid/files/2024-07/Italian_strategy_for_artificial_intelligence_2024-2026.pdf. Accessed 23 November 2025.
OECD. “Progress in Implementing the European Union Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence (Volume 1): Italy.” OECD, https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/progress-in-implementing-the-european-union-coordinated-plan-on-artificial-intelligence-volume-1_6d530a88-en/italy_d24a6b76-en.html.
Rappresentanza permanente d’Italia presso le Nazioni Unite. “PRESS RELEASE ON THE EVENT ‘Digital Global Compact: for human governance of artificial intelligence.’” 30 January 2025.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Lydia Harlan

Country: South Africa
Delegate: Lydia Harlan
School: Williamston
Committee: UNEP
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
As the use of artificial intelligence (AI) increases, it consumes more resources in various ways. The resources are primarily used for data centers to store information and run servers, especially for chatbots like ChatGPT. One prompt for a chatbot is equal to ten times the amount of energy a regular Google search uses. This increases the use of energy by significant amounts, using more resources to create more energy. These AI centers also require the production of materials that utilize rare minerals and other raw resources, which in turn produce large amounts of harmful particle matter and greenhouse gases. The servers also require cooling, power, and process data using large quantities of water, which has led to issues such as water shortages, especially during droughts, and this will only increase in the future if something is not done.
As South Africa is an emerging economy hoping to take a bigger place on the global stage, South Africa is looking to expand its use of technologies and Artificial Intelligence to grow its economy and develop its country. South Africa has taken many initiatives to take a step back from the development of technology in the country, supporting self-sufficiency through councils like the BBBEE ICT, PC4IR, and other similar ideas. South Africa is a regional tech hub with companies like Amazon and Microsoft for supply bases and infrastructure for other countries. Private companies have supported investments in various areas, including data centers and educational programs. Specifically for AI, South Africa has the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South America (AIISA), which strives for research and development of AI and practical applications of AI. South Africa, although it supports the development of AI, supports the limited use of national water and electricity, especially with its low rainfall and other freshwater sources; however, it has not yet set specific legislation for this.
In the future, South Africa plans to enact legislation to prevent the mass use of natural resources. South Africa also plans to continue with their current programs, councils, and other systems to build up the AI and technology industry. South Africa aims to balance the development of AI and the economy while protecting its natural resources, but supporting strategic mining projects, a government cloud, and more projects to support AI. South Africa would also like to increase the amount of private investments in the country and has been changing focus to better align with the environment. South Africa plans to utilize AI to address water scarcity and distribution as well. Overall, South Africa stands between the need to protect its freshwater and natural resources and building its economy through innovation, which can drain those resources. Still, South Africa believes that both can be done despite the differences through thoughtful legislation. This bill would limit the amount of resources used and waste produced. It would also put boundaries on where the resource-consuming companies could be putting drier, arid parts of land off-limits to prevent further droughts. Still, South Africa knows this is a global effort and is looking to work with many countries to solve this pressing issue.

https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-and-water-consumption
https://www.ece.cmu.edu/news-and-events/story/2025/08/water-efficiency.html
https://unric.org/en/artificial-intelligence-how-much-energy-does-ai-use/
https://www.ensafrica.com/news/detail/10304/ai-and-water-systems-conservation-tool-or-res
https://ainowinstitute.org/publications/reflections-on-south-africas-ai-industrial-policy#footnote-list-4

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Sophia Schafer

Country: Indonesia
Delegate: Sophia Schafer
School: Williamston High School
Committee: UNEP
Topic: AI and Resource Consumption

The country of Indonesia recognizes that Artificial Intelligence is very important and beneficial to the growth of our country. Indonesia believes that Artificial Intelligence is the future, and we do not want to be left behind, while other countries are moving forward towards the future. We also recognize that whilst AI is a very important technology, we also realize its power and that it needs to be controlled and not used for the wrong reasons. Moving forward, Indonesia wants to work with other countries on the development of AI, but it needs to be regulated, safe, ethical, and inclusive, especially for the developing countries that need AI moving forward to help their countries grow. Indonesia views AI as essential for our national priorities, such as digital administration, disaster response, and maritime security. However, Indonesia is also concerned about other factors, such as algorithmic discrimination, privacy violations, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, labor displacement, and the global concentration of AI capabilities in a small number of technologically dominant countries. Without international cooperation, the rapid advancement of AI threatens to deepen inequalities between developed and developing nations, which is a terrible future that we should avoid.
In the past, Indonesia has adopted many strategies regarding the use and safety of AI, such as our Strategi Nasional Kecerdasan Artifisial (Stranas KA), which was launched in 2020. This strategy includes moral pillars like ethics and policy, AI infrastructure and data ecosystems, talent development, and AI research. This strategy is a roadmap for Indonesia for 2020-2045 and it highlights the main idea that Indonesia will be an innovation-based economy by the year 2045. Although, according to analysis, the strategy is not legally binding in Indonesia, it is much more like a policy roadmap than a law. Indonesia also has other laws and regulations regarding the use of AI such as laws regarding data protection. Indonesia aims to maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks, such as algorithmic bias, misuse, and data risk, through its national strategies, along with increasing AI capacity and talent to help with agricultural, health, and governance reforms.
Moving forward, Indonesia wants to work with other countries to improve the use and development of AI, while also placing regulations to reduce its misuse. Indonesia proposes an international AI ethics and safety framework, enhancing transparency, accountability, and protection of human rights, with clear guidelines for civilian and commercial use. Indonesia also proposes capacity-building programs for developing nations, including technical training, data-sharing agreements, and access to computing resources to prevent an AI divide. We should also create support for AI in public good applications such as early disaster-warning systems, smart agriculture, healthcare diagnostics, and inclusive education. Indonesia recognizes the importance of AI and how we should be developing it because it is a very resourceful tool for the future, but we should also place regulations on it to reduce misuse and the divide between technologically advanced and developing countries. Indonesia is willing to work with many countries on this subject such as the United States, China, Japan, and India.

Topic: 2025 – Artificial Intelligence and Resource Consumption
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Dattasai Bobba

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes the growing importance and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the current and future world. To become a global leader in the AI industry, we have created the company HUMAIN to serve as the Kingdom’s door into the world of AI. HUMAIN has partnered with NVIDIA to build datacenters throughout the country over the next five years which are projected to have a capacity of 500 megawatts. HUMAIN has also reached an agreement with the company xAI wherein xAI will be the first corporation to make use of these datacenters. We sincerely hope that our efforts in this area will allow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to become a global leader in this new technology.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia acknowledges the resource heavy nature of AI and the immense quantity of rare-earth metals required to construct the components needed to train and house AI. Due to the growing capabilities of and demand for AI, the industry will only become more resource intensive in the future. To help meet the growing hunger of AI, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has redoubled its efforts in mining. In our territory we hold a projected 2.5 trillion dollars worth of the rare-earth metals so necessary for computer components. Our mining company, Ma’aden, is among the largest of its kind in the Middle East and one of the fastest growing mineral companies in the world.
In acknowledgement of climate change and the various environmental maladies occurring throughout the world, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulazziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, created the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) for the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2060. SGI follows the Circular Carbon Economy approach and since its creation we have invested more than 180 billion dollars in combating climate change.
All of these goals, artificial intelligence, resource production, and climate activism, are part of our Vision 30 plan. Vision 30 is our plan to diversify the Saudi economy and move away from a fossil fuel based system, improve public sectors, and to create a more vibrant society. Our mining and AI investments both serve the purpose of making the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia less reliant on oil to keep the economy running smoothly, and SGI will protect future generations from climate-based adversity.

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