Sam Altman says ChatGPT water use claims are ‘completely untrue' (www.techradar.com)

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently addressed claims regarding high water usage attributed to ChatGPT, labeling them as “totally fake.” Speaking at an event hosted by The Indian Express, Altman clarified that such assertions lack basis in reality, noting that outdated data center cooling practices had contributed to previous concerns. However, he acknowledged broader issues surrounding AI's energy consumption and the environmental impact of scaling AI infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to renewable energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar. This discussion underscores significant tensions in the AI/ML community as the demand for AI services surges. Altman's comments reflect growing scrutiny over the sustainability of advanced AI systems, with experts warning of the extensive resource demands associated with data centers that are now designed to support powerful AI workloads. The challenges include increased energy use and the pressure on components essential for AI operations, raising critical questions about the balance between technological advancement and environmental stewardship amid a global context of resource scarcity, particularly concerning water. As AI continues to proliferate, the focus will need to shift to ensuring that its growth is sustainable in the long term.