Scientists at the University of California have conducted a study indicating that the use of various AI models can negatively impact the Earth’s ecology.
Key Findings:
Follow on LinkedInThe study revealed that processing between 10 to 50 requests on ChatGPT and similar AI systems requires up to two liters of water for server cooling, contrary to previous estimates of just half a liter.
Microsoft has acknowledged that cooling hardware necessitates more water than initially anticipated. Consequently, for 2023 and 2024, Microsoft, Google, and Meta reported increases in water usage of 22.5%, 17%, and 17%, respectively.
The researchers pointed out that while the data was collected in the U.S. and focused on OpenAI's chatbot, this issue likely affects other AI models in various countries as well.
Although a clear solution has not yet been identified, it is crucial to recognize that AI usage is still in its early stages and is expected to grow rapidly. If the challenges of cooling servers are not addressed promptly, the Earth could face a significant ecological crisis.
