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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 »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 […]
Read more »U.S. Water Reservoirs: Shrinking and Becoming Less Reliable
August 24th, 2024
Via the American Geophysical Union, a new report on the impact that climate change is having upon U.S. water reservoirs: Major water reservoirs across the continental United States are experiencing longer, more severe, and more variable periods of low storage than several decades ago, a new study reports. The problems are most severe in the […]
Read more »Violence Over Water On The Rise Globally. A Record Number Of Conflicts Erupted In 2023
August 22nd, 2024
Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times, an article on the global rise in water-related violence: In Pakistan, two groups of farmers started arguing in the fields and attacked each other with axes, clubs and bricks in a bloody fight over water. In South Africa, hundreds of people protesting a water shortage blocked roads with burning […]
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