AI, with its vast resource needs, is raising concerns over sustainability and environmental impact. Last year, Microsoft's data centers drained over 2,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous year. Google also reported a 20% water consumption increase over the same period.
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A deeper look at AI's water footprint
- The growth of AI and related technologies increases the need for vast server farms, which depend heavily on water for cooling purposes.
- The spike in water usage can be attributed primarily to AI, as per Shaolei Ren, a researcher at the UC, Riverside, who focuses on AI's environmental impact.
- For every 5 to 50 prompts submitted to ChatGPT, it consumes about 500 ml of water, according to an upcoming paper from Professor Ren's team.
Big Tech and Responsible Water Usage
- Recognizing their significant water consumption, tech companies like Google have voiced concerns and are exploring ways to mitigate the negative effects.
- Google has committed to responsible water usage, which includes assessing where and how their water usage might affect surrounding areas.
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