startling report from China Water Risk sheds light on the concerning intersection of China’s burgeoning data center industry and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), warning of a potential crisis in water resources by 2030.
As China surges ahead in the digital age, the demand for data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is skyrocketing. However, a recent report by China Water Risk has sounded the alarm about the significant strain these industries are placing on the country’s water resources.
According to the report, data centers alone are projected to consume over 3 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2030, equivalent to the needs of a population larger than South Korea. The primary culprits? Direct water consumption for cooling IT equipment and indirect consumption from coal-powered electricity generation.
Furthermore, the rapid growth of AI technologies, particularly generative AI such as chatbots, adds another layer of concern. These AI systems, with their immense computational power, guzzle staggering amounts of water to stay cool. For instance, a large language model like GPT-3 can consume 20 times more water per interaction than 50 Google searches.
The report highlights the growing user base of AI services provided by Chinese tech giants like Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba, amplifying the potential impact on water consumption. With nearly half of China’s data center racks situated in water-scarce regions, the situation becomes even more precarious.
Experts emphasize the urgency for action, advocating for improved energy and water efficiency measures within these industries. They urge corporates and the financial sector to develop cohesive climate strategies to mitigate water risks.
Proposed solutions include watershed restoration, water reuse, rainwater collection, and overall water footprint reduction. Moreover, the report calls for government intervention to tighten regulations and promote water usage effectiveness standards within the ICT sector.
As China navigates the digital revolution, the imperative to address water risks becomes increasingly pressing. It’s time for the ICT sector to embrace water neutrality and positivity, ensuring sustainability for future generations.
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