The Hidden Cost of AI: More Energy, More Water?

You hear a lot about how AI is changing our world, from making our jobs easier to new tools for everyday life. But there's a side to this growth that doesn't get as much attention: its environmental footprint. A recent report about tech giant Amazon, for example, highlighted a significant jump in their greenhouse gas emissions last year. This increase is largely tied to their massive expansion in artificial intelligence infrastructure – basically, all the powerful computer systems needed to run AI.

Think about it this way: AI, especially the kind that powers large language models like ChatGPT, needs an awful lot of electricity to run. These machines are constantly processing huge amounts of data and performing complex calculations. To keep these powerful computers from overheating, they also require a lot of cooling, which often means significant water usage. Amazon's emissions, for instance, went up by 16% in just one year, with electricity consumption jumping 34%. They also reported using billions of litres of water for cooling their data centres.

For everyday Australians, this news might seem a bit far off. But it raises an important question about sustainable technology. As AI becomes more common in our homes, businesses, and public services, the energy demands of these systems will only grow. This isn't just about big tech companies; it's about the broader environmental impact of the digital age.

Local councils and state governments are also exploring how to use AI for things like managing traffic or improving public services. As they do, ensuring these technologies are developed and operated sustainably will be crucial. We all want the benefits of AI, but we also need to be mindful of its overall cost to our planet. It's a reminder that innovation needs to go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. The push for more efficient AI — using less energy for the same results — will become more vital than ever.