Sam Altman Defends AI Data Center Water Consumption
· Technology · Hindustan Times, Economic Times
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has pushed back against concerns regarding the water usage of AI data centers, stating that the water required to produce a single almond is equivalent to the amount needed to power 38,000 ChatGPT queries. During an appearance on the “Sources” podcast, Altman characterized the online criticism as a “robust meme” that does not hold up to scrutiny. He argued that modern data centers have moved away from evaporative cooling systems and now consume water at levels comparable to standard office buildings. Altman acknowledged he did not have the exact calculations for his claim but maintained that the environmental impact is often overstated.
Why it matters
This statement addresses growing public and regulatory scrutiny over the environmental footprint of AI infrastructure, which is a key concern for the technology sector's rapid expansion.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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