UN expert warns of artificial intelligence's high water consumption
Experts warn that artificial intelligence infrastructure and data center operations carry a heavy environmental footprint, worsening global water scarcity.
Experts are warning about the growing environmental impact of artificial intelligence, particularly its heavy water consumption. While AI technology is frequently promoted as a vital tool to help tackle the climate crisis, its underlying infrastructure demands substantial natural resources.
According to reports citing Professor Kaveh Madani, director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health in Canada, digital queries and expanding data center operations contribute significantly to global environmental footprints. As international efforts focus on mitigating climate change and preventing water shortages, researchers emphasize that the resource requirements of AI infrastructure present a critical challenge. Experts stress the need for greater transparency and resource efficiency as reliance on complex algorithms continues to accelerate globally.
Sources: TV 2 Nyheter.