While AI and LLM's might feel intangible, living “in the cloud, its operation depends on large, resource-intensive data centres. These facilities require significant amounts of raw materials, including rare earth elements, for construction and generate considerable electronic waste over their lifespan.
Cooling these centres also consumes vast quantities of water, and every AI query uses far more electricity and water than a standard web search. As AI adoption grows, so too does its demand for energy and natural resources.
Before turning to AI, consider whether your question could be addressed through a traditional search engine, which generally has a much smaller environmental footprint.
Further reading:
The Uneven Distribution of AI’s Environmental Impacts (Harvard Business Review)
The Green Dilemma: Can AI Fulfil Its Potential Without Harming the Environment? (Earth.org)
As use of AI soars, so does the energy and water it requires
AI has an environmental problem. Here's what the world can do about that
The green dilemma: Can AI fulfil its potential without harming the environment?
AI already uses as much energy as a small country. It's only the beginning
Editorial: Generative AI is an energy hog and that could hurt progress fighting climate change
Ethics 
The Frontlines of Artificial Intelligence Ethics by Andrew J. Hampton (Editor); Jeanine A. DeFalco (Editor) 
Responsible Artificial Intelligence by Virginia Dignum 
