AI systems themselves don’t inherently require large amounts of water. The water use comes from data center cooling design choices. Closed-loop liquid cooling systems can minimize water consumption, and large bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or the sea can serve as effective heat sinks.

So, high water usage is not a technical necessity of AI. It’s just cheaper and easier to ignore mother nature. Especially when you are in a race against the other AI companies.

If the US had not given up on saving the climate, laws for environmental protection could have helped.

They try to squeeze the last bit of productivity out of the workforce - while salaries stagnate.

Sure, there are studies that show that a good work-life-balance (like the 4 day workweek) increase productivity and reduce sic days - but that doesn’t feel right.

It gives the boss a much better feeling to scream at his employees, force overtime, micromanage, set impossible goals and work them to the bone. How can you feel like a boss if you don’t increase your workers misery?

These armed guards have the ability to do humanity a great service. I hope at least one of them finds their conscience.