From TikTok recommendations to chatbots answering your questions, AI is everywhere. While it’s super useful and exciting, it’s also important to understand the resources AI needs to run—and how that affects the environment.
AI needs space to live—big spaces called data centers. These are giant warehouses full of computers storing and processing information. But here’s the catch:
- Data centers get really hot. Imagine your phone overheating after playing a game for too long—that’s what happens with these supercomputers, but on a much larger scale.
- They need to stay cool. Keeping them cool requires even more electricity—and, surprisingly, water.
Wait, AI Uses Water?
Yes! Cooling computers is a huge job, and many data centers use water to do it. They pull water from local sources (like rivers or lakes) to stop their machines from overheating. After the water is used, it’s released back into the environment, but it’s often warmer than it was before. This can mess with fish and other aquatic life.
To give you an idea, training just one advanced AI model can use as much water as you drinking water every day for 300 years!
Why Does This Matter?
In some places, water is already hard to find. If data centers use too much water, it can leave less for farming, drinking, and basic needs. Plus, the warm water they release can affect ecosystems.
Imagine your phone battery draining quickly when you use certain apps or games. Now think about massive supercomputers that power AI. These machines run all day, every day, using a lot of electricity.
The problem? In many countries, electricity still comes from burning coal and gas, which releases greenhouse gases into the air. These gases trap heat and contribute to global warming. The more powerful the AI system, the more electricity it needs—and the bigger its carbon footprint.
What’s a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases released because of something we do—like driving a car, making clothes, or in this case, running AI. Some of the biggest AI models use as much energy as a small town in a single day. That’s like leaving all your lights, TVs, and fans on for weeks at a time!
What Can We Do?
AI isn’t going away—it’s going to keep growing. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to make it more eco-friendly. Here’s what companies are doing, and what you can think about too:
- Using Green Energy: Some data centers now run on solar or wind power instead of coal and gas. This helps cut down on harmful emissions.
- Smarter AI: Scientists are figuring out ways to make AI work just as well while using less energy and water.
- Water-saving Tech: New cooling systems are being developed that use less water—or none at all.
Why It’s Important for You
As young people, we’re the future leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. By understanding the environmental cost of AI, you can ask important questions about how technology is made and used. Whether you’re choosing what apps to support or deciding on a career in tech, knowing the impact of AI can help you make smarter, greener choices.
AI can do incredible things, from helping doctors save lives to teaching you new skills. But like everything, it has a cost. If we work together to make it more sustainable, we can enjoy the benefits of AI without harming our planet.
What do you think? What’s more important: fast tech development or a healthy planet, and why?
****
At Fundza, we value a positive, respectful, and inclusive community where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts. Please remember to keep your comments friendly, constructive, and free from any form of hate speech, bullying, or discrimination. Any comments containing offensive language, personal attacks, or harmful content will be removed, and repeat offenders may be banned. Additionally, do not share personal information about yourself or others. This includes, but is not limited to, phone numbers, addresses, or any other private information. Let’s keep the conversation welcoming, safe, and supportive for all!