Ren warns that if this water consumption issue is not addressed, it could derail efforts towards sustainable AI. The public is already sensitive about water issues, and the revelation of AI's water consumption could lead to backlash. Both Microsoft and Google have stated that they are working on reducing water consumption and making their AI models more efficient. However, they also note that while technology is progressing, it is not doing so at the rate many people believe, indicating that achieving sustainability will be a challenge.
Key takeaways:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, such as ChatGPT, require significant amounts of water to function, according to research by Shaolei Ren from the University of California.
- The water is primarily used to cool down the data centers that power these AI models, with companies like Microsoft and Google reporting high water consumption rates.
- There are concerns that if this water consumption issue is not addressed, it could hinder the sustainability of AI and cause public backlash, given the importance of water for survival.
- Both Microsoft and Google are reportedly working on ways to decrease water consumption and make their AI models more efficient and sustainable.