Is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution unstoppable? With lightning speed, AI is reshaping industries, unlocking economic value, driving positive environmental impact, helping address social challenges – and additionally, offering compelling investment opportunities. Yet, AI also ushers in a brand new world of risks and complex sustainability challenges that investors must learn to navigate.
AI adoption is extremely fast. According to McKinsey & Company, 78% of companies are already leveraging AI, and OpenAI reported over 500 million weekly users in early 2025, as noted by CNBC [1].
Public and corporate investments in AI are surging, fueling the growth of the AI market. Valued at over €130 billion in 2023, the market is expected to reach nearly €1.9 trillion by 2030, according to Statista[2].
Beyond its potential for returns and efficiency gains, AI is becoming a strategic tool for sustainable development. It is contributing to climate action – through smart agriculture or emissions reduction -, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive social development – through education for example.
As AI becomes more integrated across sectors, the associated sustainability risks (environmental, social and governance) are also becoming more complex and pressing. These risks can have significant negative impacts on investors’ portfolio’s value, the environment, and society at large. One of the most pressing issues is the high energy and water consumption of AI data centers.
Investors looking to capture the upside of AI need to uncover and integrate these risks into their investment decisions. Sustainability analysis can be a useful tool to do so. By conducting thorough sustainability assessments, investors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities inherent in AI-related investments. This approach helps ensure that investments are not only profitable but also sustainable and socially responsible.
[1] Source: CNBC, March 2025
[2] Source: AI investment: EU and global indicators, European Parliamentary Research Service, March 2024
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