AI technology's increasing water consumption is becoming a significant concern. Studies show ChatGPT queries can use substantial amounts of water, while major tech companies have seen notable increases in water usage. Projections suggest AI's water consumption could match that of a small European nation by 2027. Many data centres are in water-stressed areas, worsening the problem. Rainwater harvesting is proposed as a potential solution, with some tech companies already implementing such systems.
The oil-and-gas industry's annual ADIPEC gathering in Abu Dhabi focused on AI and energy. A survey of industry leaders concluded that AI is expected to transform the energy business, improving efficiency and reducing emissions. A private meeting between tech and energy executives preceded the event.
A study predicts AI-related e-waste could grow from 2,600 tonnes in 2023 to 2.5 million tonnes by 2030, potentially reaching 1.2 to 5 million tonnes cumulatively between 2020 and 2030. North America is expected to produce the majority, followed by East Asia and Europe. US restrictions on GPU sales to China may exacerbate the issue. Researchers propose a circular economy strategy to potentially reduce AI-related e-waste by 86% globally, including extending hardware lifespan, reusing components, and improving computing efficiency.
