AI and Water are more connected than most people realize. As artificial intelligence continues to expand, the data centres that power it are using millions of litres of water every day to stay cool. This invisible demand is creating ripple effects across our freshwater systems, and ultimately, our ocean.

In this episode, Andrew Lewin uncovers how AI’s explosive growth is reshaping global water use. From groundwater depletion and saltwater intrusion near coastal data hubs to desalination discharges harming marine life, the story goes far beyond servers and code. He breaks down how indirect energy use from AI contributes to ocean warming and acidification, revealing that every digital action has a hidden aquatic cost.

Andrew also explores innovative solutions from recycled and non-potable cooling systems to closed-loop designs that dramatically reduce water loss. With growing global demand for AI, he highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and smarter policy design to protect both freshwater and marine environments.

Chapters:
00:00 – The hidden link between AI and water
01:15 – Why AI data centres need so much cooling water
02:50 – Global scale: millions of litres daily for server farms
04:10 – Comparing AI’s water use to agriculture and energy industries
05:25 – Where data centres are built and why location matters
06:45 – Groundwater depletion and the threat of saltwater intrusion
08:10 – Desalination: a quick fix with ocean consequences
09:30 – How energy use links AI to climate change and ocean health
11:00 – The indirect footprint: electricity, carbon, and water
12:20 – Recycled water and closed-loop cooling innovations
13:40 – Tech companies leading (and lagging) on water transparency
15:00 – Can AI become water-neutral? Emerging experiments
16:20 – Policy and community action: what regulation should look like
17:30 – Why the ocean needs us to care about our digital water use
18:30 – Andrew’s reflections: every technological wave touches the sea
19:20 – Final thoughts and call to action

#OceanConservation #MarineBiology #SaveOurOceans #ProtectTheOcean #OceanAwareness #BluePlanet #ConservationMatters #ScienceForChange #SustainableOceans
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