A new white paper from NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business transformation, and technology services, underscores the growing environmental cost of artificial intelligence and calls for immediate action to make AI development and deployment more sustainable. The report warns that the rapid expansion of AI systems is placing unprecedented demands on energy, computing power, and data center infrastructure—resources that are increasingly scarce and environmentally taxing. As AI models grow in size and complexity, so does their energy consumption. Training a single large language model can emit as much carbon as five cars over their entire lifetimes. The paper emphasizes that sustainability must no longer be treated as an afterthought but instead embedded into every stage of the AI lifecycle—from data collection and model training to deployment and maintenance. NTT DATA advocates for a holistic approach that integrates sustainability into AI strategy, design, and operations. The report outlines several practical solutions, including optimizing algorithms for efficiency, leveraging renewable energy sources for data centers, adopting edge computing to reduce data transmission, and implementing AI governance frameworks that include environmental impact assessments. The paper also highlights the business case for sustainable AI. Organizations that prioritize environmental responsibility can strengthen their brand, meet regulatory expectations, reduce long-term operational costs, and gain a competitive edge in an era where consumers and investors increasingly favor eco-conscious technology. According to NTT DATA, sustainable AI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. By aligning innovation with environmental stewardship, companies can drive long-term value, build resilience, and contribute to a more sustainable digital future. The white paper urges industry leaders, policymakers, and technologists to collaborate on standards, measurement tools, and scalable solutions to ensure AI evolves in a way that benefits both society and the planet.