‘ChatGPT wants a 500ml bottle of water to reply 20-50 questions’: Survey

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven nice progress, however a current examine highlights the numerous water consumption of AI fashions in knowledge centres making it an environmental concern. The examine uncovers the environmental price of coaching and deploying giant AI fashions, emphasizing the necessity for sustainable practices.

The Thirsty Reality of AI Models:

Large AI fashions like GPT-3 and GPT-4 have a hidden water footprint. Training GPT-3 in Microsoft’s US knowledge centres can devour as much as 700,000 liters of contemporary water, equal to producing a whole bunch of automobiles. ChatGPT, for a easy dialog, “drinks” a 500ml bottle of water, contemplating its billions of customers.

Data Centres’ Water Consumption:

Data centres, the place AI fashions reside, are energy-intensive and water-thirsty. Google’s US knowledge centres alone consumed 12.7 billion liters of freshwater for cooling in 2021. These centres depend on water-intensive cooling methods and require vital quantities of water for energy technology.

Why Are AI Models Water Intensive?

Data centres generate warmth, necessitating cooling methods. Water-intensive evaporative cooling towers are sometimes used, requiring pure freshwater to stop corrosion and microbial progress. Water can be consumed for energy technology in knowledge centres.

Looking for Solutions:

The examine suggests coaching AI fashions throughout cooler hours to cut back water loss by means of evaporation. It requires the business to develop environmentally pleasant AI fashions. Uncovering and addressing the water footprint of AI fashions is essential, contemplating freshwater shortage and growing older water infrastructure.

Environmental Considerations:

As we discover the potential of AI and fashions like ChatGPT, it is important to be aware of their environmental impression. With freshwater shortage and droughts growing, sustainable practices are important. Addressing the hidden water footprint of AI fashions is essential for a sustainable future.