More on AI, Data Centres and Environmental Costs

A pair of related posts hit my screen this week.

1. Ithaka S+R released a new LibGuide titled “Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence.” There is a LOT of good information linked within, but the blog post does a really good job introducing the reason for the guide, IMHO, so do start there.
2. The Verge posts “Amazon’s data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water last year.” Amazon released some data in which they compare themselves to some of the other big data centre players, Google, Microsoft, and Meta. You won’t be surprised to learn that Amazon claims to be more efficient than the others. This, though, is a rare instance where you should read the comments, because many folks there point out that context really matters. 2.5 billion gallons of water sounds like an awful lot, but is it?

And I continue to add resources such as these to my bookmark list at Energy and AI.

Man, that IS a gross picture on the front of the Libguide.