Nairobi, June 14 -- On June 5, the world marked World Environment Day, a tradition the UN established in 1972 to drive global awareness and action for the environment. For decades, this day has been a rallying point for governments, businesses, and citizens to reflect on the state of our planet and recommit to protecting it.

This June, however, the event comes at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, societies, and our daily routines. AI is hailed as capable of transforming healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.

Yet behind the innovation lies a sobering reality: AI consumes vast amounts of energy, requires huge volumes of water for cooling servers, and generates electronic waste that is often non...