While AI offers promising gains in productivity and efficiency, its environmental impact must not be overlooked. The use of AI is not a silver bullet — and its benefits come with significant costs that require careful consideration, particularly in terms of sustainability.

AI models are powered by large-scale data centres, which consume vast amounts of electricity and water. These facilities require constant cooling and uninterrupted energy supply.

According to MIT, by 2026, the electricity consumption of data centres is expected to reach 1,050 terawatt-hours — enough to rank them fifth among the world’s largest electricity consumers, just behind Japan and ahead of Russia.

Despite these concerns, the legal industry may present a unique opportunity for AI to drive a net-positive environmental impact. Legal practice has traditionally been paper-intensive, with large volumes of printed materials, filings, and physical archives. If implemented thoughtfully, AI could help reduce this reliance on paper, streamline processes, and contribute to more sustainable practices within the profession.

In short, while embracing AI, the legal industry must balance innovation with responsibility — ensuring that the push for efficiency does not come at an unacceptable environmental cost.