How your AI outlines may be affecting the environment
Using ChatGPT to write your essay raises concerns beyond the classroom
As conversations about artificial intelligence usage spark ethical debates in the classroom, another important conversation is also happening: the effect of our AI usage on the environment.
While AI usage sparks debates among students, University of Arizona experts share their insights on the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, particularly the energy and water demands of data centers. Associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering, Kerri Hickenbottom explains that cooling systems for these facilities require significant water resources, while assistant professor of watershed management and ecohydrology Shang Gao raises concerns about the sustainability of placing data-intensive operations in Arizona’s arid climate. With more than 100 data centers across the state, researchers are examining the long-term viability of these resource-heavy infrastructures.
As AI technology continues to expand, University of Arizona experts emphasize the importance of balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. By advancing water efficiency and sustainable resource management, researchers aim to address these challenges while supporting the continued evolution of AI.