The AI–climate Paradox: Balancing Innovation & Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This paper examines the dual environmental character of AI, with particular emphasis on India. It analyses India's emerging AI-governance framework, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the Information Technology Rules, environmental legislation, data-centre regulation and the IndiaAI Mission. It argues that India's present framework regulates many components of AI infrastructure indirectly but does not yet establish a comprehensive lifecycle-based environmental framework specifically for AI.