In response to the environmental impact, Microsoft and OpenAI have stated they are investing in research to measure AI's energy and carbon footprint and are working on ways to make large systems more efficient. Microsoft aims to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. Meanwhile, a document from the West Des Moines Water Works in Iowa stated that future data center projects from Microsoft will only be considered if they can significantly reduce peak water usage.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft's global water consumption spiked 34% from 2021 to 2022, largely due to its AI research and partnership with OpenAI, according to a researcher at the University of California, Riverside.
- ChatGPT, an AI product, is estimated to use 500 milliliters of water for every 5 to 50 prompts or questions it is asked, including indirect water usage for cooling power plants that supply the data centers with electricity.
- Microsoft and OpenAI have been using data centers in West Des Moines, Iowa, for their AI work, contributing to a significant increase in the city's water consumption.
- Microsoft and OpenAI are investing in research to measure AI's energy and carbon footprint and are working on ways to make large systems more efficient to meet their sustainability goals.