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Sam Altman Compares ChatGPT Water Usage to Almond Production, Citing Data Center Efficiency
Key points
- Altman stated 38,000 ChatGPT queries equal one almond's water use.
- He claims data center water consumption is exaggerated.
- Modern data centers use water comparable to an office building.
- Older evaporative cooling methods are no longer standard.
Altman Addresses AI Water Consumption Concerns
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed concerns regarding the water consumption of AI data centers during an episode of the Sources Podcast. He asserted that the issue has been "blown out of proportion" and does not reflect current data center cooling technologies. Altman's comments aim to counter negative narratives surrounding AI's environmental footprint.
ChatGPT Queries vs. Almond Production
Altman provided a specific comparison, stating that 38,000 ChatGPT queries consume the same amount of water required to produce a single almond in California. He emphasized that this figure represents "full-on, total true water accounting." This comparison attempts to contextualize AI's water usage against other common activities.
Advancements in Data Center Cooling
Altman explained that the perception of high water usage stems from outdated evaporative cooling techniques. He claimed that modern, large data centers now use water equivalent to an office building, accounting for activities like sinks and toilets. This indicates a shift in cooling technology that reduces water dependency compared to previous methods.
Contextualizing Water Usage
The comparison to almonds is significant because almonds are known as a water-intensive crop, with researchers estimating about 1.1 gallons of water per almond. Altman's previous statements indicated one ChatGPT response used 1 to 50mL of water, suggesting a substantial reduction in water per query with newer technologies. This reframing seeks to mitigate public concern over AI's environmental impact.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that 38,000 ChatGPT queries use the same amount of water as producing one almond, arguing that AI data center water consumption is overstated due to advancements in cooling technology. He claimed modern data centers use water equivalent to an office building, not the higher amounts associated with older evaporative cooling methods. This comparison aims to reframe public perception of AI's environmental impact, particularly regarding water use.