Chatbots like ChatGPT consume significant amounts of power and water, as data centers use energy-intensive cooling systems to keep servers functional. Each query processed by AI models, such as GPT-4, requires complex calculations that generate heat, demanding water or electricity to cool the servers.
The environmental impact varies by location, with data centers in hotter or drier areas consuming more resources. Despite tech companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft pledging to reduce their carbon footprints, AI’s growing demands are straining resources and contributing to rising emissions.
In July, Google released its most recent environmental report, showing its carbon emission footprint rose by 48 percent, largely due to AI and data centers. It also replenished only 18 percent of the water it consumed — a far cry from the 120 percent it has set as a goal by 2030.
Source: The Washington Post
