AI data centers are forecasted to have carbon emissions surge 11-fold by 2030, consuming an estimated 612 terawatt-hours of electricity, which will increase global carbon emissions by 3.4%. Additionally, these centers are projected to use more than 3 billion cubic meters of water annually, outpacing the freshwater withdrawals of whole countries. The report highlights recommendations for improving sustainability, but the ongoing AI race against China suggests limited room for addressing these environmental concerns amidst the rush to build new infrastructure, such as OpenAI’s $500 billion investment initiative with Oracle for additional data center power.
AI data centers' carbon emissions are expected to surge 11-fold by 2030, with predictions that these centers will consume 612 terawatt-hours of electricity, driving a 3.4% increase in global carbon emissions.
AI data centers are projected to consume more than 3 billion cubic meters of water per year, exceeding the annual freshwater withdrawals of countries like Norway or Sweden, impacting already strained freshwater resources.
The report 'Powering Sustainable AI' offers recommendations to mitigate the environmental impact of AI, yet the urgent framing of an AI race against China may hinder serious sustainability considerations.
Recent developments in the AI sector, including OpenAI's significant partnership with Oracle, illustrate the massive demand for computing power and the scale of investment going into AI infrastructure, which raises concerns for sustainability.
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