Other tech companies, such as Google, have also seen a rise in water usage due to their investment in AI products. As global temperatures rise, it is becoming more challenging for these companies to cool their facilities, leading to increased water consumption. Some companies have experienced difficulties keeping their centers online during heatwaves, highlighting the environmental impact of the tech industry's growth.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft's water usage saw a significant increase between 2021 and 2022 due to the cooling needs of data centers running AI supercomputers.
- The water used for cooling is drawn from local watersheds, causing concern for local utility companies and potentially impacting the water supply for nearby communities.
- Google has also seen a spike in water usage due to its investment in AI, and is working to address the impact of its water consumption through climate-conscious cooling approaches and water stewardship strategies.
- As global temperatures rise, it may become more difficult for tech companies to cool their facilities, leading to potential shutdowns during heatwaves.