π§ AI's hidden thirst: Water cost of digital growth π§
Research shows a typical ChatGPT conversation can use half a litre of water, highlighting AI's environmental cost. India is rapidly expanding data centers from 375MW in 2020 to a projected 13.56 GW by 2031-32. The UN report estimates data centers could consume 9.3 trillion litres by 2030, threatening local water supplies. Despite this, states are offering huge incentives for new data center projects like in Andhra Pradesh and UP. Concerns are rising over groundwater depletion and the impact of brine discharge from seawater cooling.