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AI Demands Water and Energy From An Already Thirsty California
August 27th, 2024
Artificial intelligence technology is guzzling water and energy in California and around the globe – by some estimates, ChatGPT uses about 16 ounces of water for as little as 10 queries, while AI-generated answers from Google use up to 8.9 watt-hours of electricity per request – yet most tech companies have not been forthcoming about […]
Read more »The Poisonous Global Politics of Water
August 26th, 2024
Via The Economist, a look at the global politics of water: THE WATER thieves come at night. They arrive in trucks, suck water out of irrigation canals and drive off. This infuriates Alejandro Meneses, who owns a big vegetable farm in Coquimbo, a parched province of Chile. In theory, his landholding comes with the right to […]
Read more »The Growing Importance of Desalination
August 26th, 2024
Via Contrary, a deep dive into the booming desalination industry: Why is Desalination Important? About 71% of the Earth is covered in water. While most of that water is found in the ocean, about 2.5% of it is freshwater, which can be used to drink or irrigate crops. However, as climate change begins introducing erratic weather patterns, […]
Read more »When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities
August 26th, 2024
Via Circle of Blue, a report on formal water shutoff policies in some U.S. cities which are ill-defined for extreme heat: When an early summer heat wave enveloped the Great Lakes region last month, Cleveland officials stepped in to offer relief. They reminded residents of the availability of splash pads for outdoor water recreation. And […]
Read more »It’s 2024: Is Drought Optional?
August 26th, 2024
Via Asterik Magazine, commentary on the potential for desalination to support the Colorado River and other critical U.S. water needs: In the early 20th century, the United States diverted and dammed nearly every major river that runs through the West, ushering in an era of unparalleled dominion over water. Today, California once again struggles with […]
Read more »Millions of Bangladeshis Stranded By Floods. Many Blame India.
August 26th, 2024
Via CNN, a report on recent flooding in Bangladesh which many victims blame on India: Wading through muddy floodwaters up to chest height, hundreds of people slowly make their way to safety, their belongings held high above their heads to keep them dry. Entering the city of Feni in southeast Bangladesh, it becomes clear why […]
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