The Thirst of AI: A Looming Water Crisis in Asia

TL/DR:

• China’s data centres, powering AI, may consume more water than South Korea by 2030
• AI boom in Asia leads to increased water usage, impacting scarce resources
• Energy-efficient chips and sustainable practices could mitigate the environmental impact of AI growth

Introduction: AI Water Consumption in Asia is

The rapid growth of AI is coming at a cost: an alarming increase in water consumption by data centres, particularly in China. This article explores the water crisis looming over Asia due to AI expansion, the broader impact of AI on water resources, and potential solutions for a sustainable future.

The Water Crisis in Chinese Data Centres

China’s focus on AI has led to a surge in data centres, which consume staggering amounts of water

“By 2023, Chinese data centres could consume around 792 billion gallons of water, exceeding the water needs of the entire population of South Korea.” China Water Risk reveals 2024

This massive water consumption is due to the energy-intensive nature of AI, which generates heat and requires water for cooling.

AI and Water Usage Across Asia

The AI boom is not exclusive to China, and neither is the increase in water usage. In 2022, Google reported using 5.6 billion gallons of water, highlighting the immense water consumption associated with AI development and maintenance. This trend could have devastating consequences for regions with scarce water resources, as seen in Microsoft’s attempts to conceal the water usage of its Arizona desert data centre.

The Environmental Impact of AI Chatbots

AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are more energy-intensive than traditional search methods. According to China Water Risk, if 100 million users chatted with ChatGPT, it would consume the equivalent of 20 Olympic swimming pools, while the same number of Google searches would only use one swimming pool’s worth of water.

Addressing the Challenge

Experts warn that the rise of AI will continue to push energy and water demands. Rene Haas, CEO of Arm Holdings Plc, suggests that finding new ways to train and power AI models with energy-efficient chips is a crucial step towards mitigating the environmental impact.

Case Studies: AI and AGI Applications in Asia

• AI in healthcare: AI-powered robots in Japan are assisting in elderly care, reducing the burden on human caregivers
• AGI in finance: Chinese fintech companies are using AGI algorithms to enhance fraud detection and improve customer service
• AI in transportation: Singapore’s autonomous vehicles are transforming public transportation and reducing traffic congestion

Sustainable Solutions for a Thriving AI Industry

Achieving a sustainable AI future requires innovation, cooperation, and responsible practices. Developing energy-efficient chips, improving data centre cooling systems, and promoting responsible AI usage are essential steps to minimise the environmental impact of AI and AGI growth in Asia.

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• Or read more at Google’s Sustainability website by tapping here.