Experts have flagged Google’s omission of indirect water usage in its environmental assessments as a significant issue, particularly concerning its data center cooling systems, which directly consume water to prevent server overheating. This neglect overlooks the water needed to generate the electricity powering these data centers, especially amidst rising demands from AI models like Gemini AI. The company’s water estimates only scratch the surface, failing to account for the integral link between electricity consumption and environmental impact, including pollution.
Moreover, Google primarily utilizes a “market-based” approach for measuring carbon emissions rather than a “location-based” metric that offers a more accurate depiction of local energy sources. While Google cites impressive reductions in electricity use and carbon footprint, such metrics may obscure the broader implications of AI development, highlighting the Jevons paradox, where increased efficiency ultimately leads to higher overall resource consumption. Transparency and comprehensive data are essential for a clearer understanding of environmental impacts.
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