top of page
Search

AI, water and growth: What should you think about?

  • Writer: The Office Elf
    The Office Elf
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and economies, but its rapid expansion is also increasing demand for critical natural resources, particularly water.


According to a World Economic Forum analysis, global freshwater supplies are under mounting pressure, with projected shortfalls of up to 56 % by 2030 as population growth, energy use and digital infrastructure expand.


AI technologies (especially data centres and semiconductor manufacturing) depend heavily on water. Servers and chips generate heat, and water is used extensively in cooling systems and fabrication processes. Some projections suggest that the water requirements of AI infrastructure could rival the annual drinking water needs of entire countries if current trends continue.


Rather than framing this challenge solely as a threat, the WEF article highlights the potential for businesses to lead on sustainable water management. One key approach is adopting circular water solutions, where water is treated, reused and recirculated across operations. Circular practice not only reduces environmental impact but can also lower costs, save energy and improve operational resilience, illustrating that water stewardship and business performance can go hand in hand.  


Examples cited include companies using AI-enabled systems to cut water use in data centres and industrial facilities, while maintaining performance and reducing supply risks.

This raises important questions for sustainability consultancies and their clients:

  • How can consultancies incorporate resource footprint analysis, including water use, into AI strategy and digital transformation planning?

  • What role can AI itself play in identifying efficiencies and models for more sustainable water and energy systems?

  • How might sustainability frameworks (e.g., TNFD, net-zero strategies, circular economy principles) evolve to address the resource demands of emerging technologies?


While the pressures on water systems are clear, the article emphasises that action can unlock growth and impact. By reimagining how water is used and embedding circular, data-driven solutions into operations, organisations can reduce risk, enhance performance and support long-term resilience.


This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals, recognising that responsible resource management is both an environmental imperative and a strategic business opportunity.


🔗 Read the full article: How water can unleash growth in the era of AI — World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/12/water-growth-era-of-ai/)



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page