The Digester

Samsung Unpacked sold AI but barely addressed AI's environmental cost

Mar 20th 2026

At Unpacked Samsung focused on AI features in the new Galaxy S26 phones while only briefly noting general sustainability goals, without addressing the specific environmental costs of AI and data centers.

  • Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 series and made Galaxy AI the centerpiece of its Unpacked presentation.
  • The company highlighted sustainability commitments such as using recycled material in all devices by 2030 and global water restoration projects.
  • Samsung did not directly explain how it will manage the environmental impact of training and running the AI features it promoted.
  • AI development and use increase demand for electricity and water because data centers require large amounts of power and cooling, which can raise emissions and strain local infrastructure.
  • Other tech companies have also framed green efforts alongside rising data center emissions, with a 2024 report saying Google's greenhouse gas emissions rose nearly 50 percent due to its data center energy consumption.

Articles