We can live without AI, but can we live without clean water? | AI (artificial intelligence)

We can live without AI, but can we live without clean water? | AI (artificial intelligence)

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/01/we-can-live-without-ai-but-can-we-live-without-clean-water

Publish Date: 2026-07-01 12:14:00

Source Domain: www.theguardian.com

Here is a summary of the article highlighting its key points about the benefits and challenges posed by AI, particularly focusing on its massive use of electricity and water:

• Top Uses of AI: The analysis indicates that AI’s key applications include providing therapy/companionship, technical assistance and troubleshooting, entertainment through fun and nonsense, and creative writing in fan fiction and storytelling.

• Concerns Regarding AI:

  • Therapeutic Use: AI used for therapy doesn’t seem to alleviate loneliness, and may negatively affect users’ social skills.
  • Educational Impact: AI’s use in education reportedly reduces students’ critical thinking abilities.

• Environmental Challenges:

  • Carbon Emissions and Electricity Costs: Until clean renewable energy fully replaces fossil fuels, the cost of electricity used by AI should reflect its carbon emissions. The “polluter pays” principle should make non-essential AI usage prohibitively expensive.
  • Water Usage: AI datacentres are consuming vast amounts of water for cooling, potentially leading to water bankruptcy where extraction exceeds replenishment. This can jeopardize essential needs like agriculture, drinking water, and sanitation.

• Economic and Regulatory Issues:

  • Unrealistic Investments: The financial investment in the AI industry appears to be speculative and may lead to the demise of many data centres as the returns are unlikely to justify the expenditures.
  • Need for Regulation: As distant investors are seemingly indifferent to local impacts, urgent regulations and legislation are needed to safeguard the needs of local populations.

The article presents a multifaceted view on the benefits of AI technology, while underscoring significant concerns related to its environmental and economic sustainability.