A closer look at the impacts of daily AI use on a broader scale

The author of an Old Gold & Black article expresses concern over the environmental impact of daily AI use and the proliferation of data centers. While acknowledging ChatGPT's benefits for college students, the author contrasts this with the escalating electricity bills for low-income families, global water shortages, and accelerated climate change linked to data center operations. The piece cites the Morris family in Mansfield, Georgia, as an example, describing their experience with a nearby 2-million-square-foot Meta data center causing issues like dry taps, sediment in pipes, and sleep disruption due to noise and bright lights. The article notes over 4,000 data centers in the U.S., with a new one proposed just 15 miles north of Wake Forest University's campus in Rural Hall, Forsyth County, North Carolina. Data centers currently consume 4.4% of U.S. energy, projected to reach 12% by 2028, contributing to climate change. North Carolina alone has 92 data centers, using millions of gallons of water daily, with a large data center consuming 5 million gallons a day for AI queries—equivalent to a city of 50,000. These facilities also contribute to deforestation and ecosystem loss. Communities near data centers, like Sterling, Virginia, are seeing up to a 25% increase in electric bills. The author advocates for conscientious AI use and suggests Wake Forest University incorporate environmental impact awareness into its AI guidelines, encouraging responsible practices to set an example.