ನೀರು ಕುಡಿಯುತ್ತಿವೆ ಡೇಟಾ ಸೆಂಟರ್ ಗಳು; ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಕ್ರಾಂತಿಯ ನೆರಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಸರ ಬಿಕ್ಕಟ್ಟಿನ ಆತಂಕ

According to a report by Vartha Bharati, environmentalists are raising concerns over the rapid expansion of data centers in India, particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. The report highlights that while data centers are essential for the digital revolution, their high water consumption for cooling purposes poses a significant environmental challenge. The article notes that as India positions itself as a global hub for data infrastructure, the projected capacity is expected to grow significantly, reaching 13.56 GW by 2031–32.

The report cites research from the University of California, Riverside, which suggests that the environmental cost of artificial intelligence is often hidden. According to the study, a typical conversation with an AI system like ChatGPT, consisting of 20 to 50 exchanges, can consume approximately half a liter of water. This metric serves as a focal point for the broader debate regarding the sustainability of the current AI boom and the increasing reliance on large-scale computing power.

Industry experts and environmental advocates are calling for greater transparency and more sustainable cooling technologies to mitigate these impacts. As the demand for digital services continues to rise, the tension between technological advancement and resource conservation remains a critical issue for policymakers and tech companies alike. The report emphasizes that balancing these competing needs is essential for long-term environmental stability.