There’s a Water Crisis Looming. Big Tech and AI Could Make it Worse
A business-as-usual approach won’t be able to protect freshwater resources for future generations and Big Tech giants in the U.S. have reported a huge spike in water consumption, driven primarily by the insatiable demand for AI. CNBC featured this story as part of it's coverage of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)
"I think we are going to see some activity from regulators. There's already increased requirements coming in the new year for companies to disclose their water usage in the European Union.
"I think that requirement is necessary one for people to start to appreciate the issue and think about their own choices in it. It may need to become a little more heavy handed in terms of what they are asking companies to do and even think about placing certain limitations on companies if we don't see either market forces or innovation contribute to bring water uses down."
Ann Skeet, senior director, leadership ethics, discusses water regulation, company responsibility, and AI with CNBC.