How Does AI Use Water and Energy? Unpacking the Environmental Impact

As we dive deeper into the digital age, artificial intelligence ( aka AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and revolutionising the way we live and work. At Scarlet Destiny, we’re no strangers to leveraging technology to streamline our processes – after all, it helps us focus on the parts of our business we’re most passionate about, like working on crafting beautiful, meaningful pieces and connecting with our community. But like all powerful tools, AI comes with its own environmental cost, and it’s worth pausing to reflect on what that really means.

The Water and Energy Footprint of AI

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm, helping millions (us included) automate tasks, draft content and even brainstorm creative ideas. But as convenient as these tools are, they come with a significant environmental footprint. Here’s a closer look at how AI uses water and energy – and why it matters.

Water: A Hidden Cost of Digital Brilliance
When you think of AI, you probably imagine complex algorithms and high-powered servers – not water. But the truth is that the physical infrastructure supporting these technologies, particularly the massive data centres that power generative AI, relies heavily on water for cooling.

For instance, it’s estimated that generating a single 100-word response from a tool like ChatGPT consumes just over one bottle of water, mostly used to prevent the servers from overheating. If just one in ten Americans, for example, used ChatGPT weekly for a year, it would consume as much water as the entire state of Rhode Island does in 1.5 days. In drought-prone areas, this kind of resource use is particularly concerning.

And it’s not just the water used directly in cooling. The production of the high-tech components that power these servers also requires substantial amounts of water and other precious resources, contributing to the pollution of water sources and the depletion of finite mineral reserves.

Energy: Powering the Digital Revolution
AI is also incredibly energy-intensive. Training large language models like GPT-4 can use up to 50 times more energy than earlier versions like GPT-3, equating to the annual energy consumption of hundreds of homes. And while renewable energy sources are becoming more common, many data centres still rely on carbon-intensive power sources like coal and natural gas, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

In fact, the data centre industry already accounts for 2-3% of total global emissions, a figure that’s expected to rise dramatically as demand for AI continues to surge. This not only strains local power grids but also contributes to the very climate crisis we’re all trying to combat.

Balancing Progress with Responsibility

As a small business, Scarlet Destiny faces a tough choice. We rely on AI tools to keep our operations efficient and creative – from crafting content to managing our online store – but we’re also deeply committed to sustainability. It’s a tricky balance, and one that requires constant reflection and adjustment.

For example, as we explore new ventures like KDP publishing through Amazon, we face another set of challenges. There are currently no sustainable options like recycled paper or eco-friendly inks available, pushing us to consider alternative ways to offset our environmental impact. Planting trees, for instance, might be a small but meaningful step towards giving back to the planet as we expand our creative reach. In fact, at Scarlet Destiny, we offset part of our print impact through quarterly reforestation donations via MoreTrees. Not every copy plants a tree — but every copy helps grow a wilder, wiser forest of change.

Moving Forward, Thoughtfully

Ultimately, the genie is out of the bottle. AI is here to stay, and like many technological innovations, it offers immense potential alongside significant challenges. The key is to use these tools thoughtfully – maximising their benefits while minimising their impact on our planet.

At Scarlet Destiny, this means making small, conscious choices every day, from using eco-friendly materials in our designs to supporting carbon offset programmes. It’s about balancing the scales as best we can, and being transparent with our community about the steps we’re taking.

What about you? How do you balance the convenience of tech with your commitment to the environment? Let’s keep the conversation going. 🌱

Sources: greenmatters.com
Image credits: canva.com