OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ignited fresh controversy Friday by dismissing water consumption concerns around AI infrastructure as "fake" and defending the industry's massive energy footprint by comparing it to human resource use. The remarks, delivered at an industry summit, mark the most direct pushback yet from a major AI leader against mounting environmental scrutiny as data centers consume unprecedented levels of electricity and water for cooling systems.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman just threw gasoline on the AI sustainability debate. Speaking Friday at an industry summit, Altman dismissed concerns about artificial intelligence's water consumption as "fake" and defended the sector's enormous energy appetite by arguing that "humans use energy too."
The remarks represent the most aggressive defense yet from a top AI executive as the industry faces mounting pressure over its environmental footprint. Data centers powering large language models like ChatGPT consume millions of gallons of water daily for cooling systems, while electricity demands threaten to strain power grids from Iowa to Ireland.
Altman's water comments directly contradict recent research showing AI training facilities use vast quantities of freshwater. A single ChatGPT conversation can consume the equivalent of a 500ml bottle of water, according to researchers at University of California, Riverside. Microsoft and Google have both reported double-digit percentage increases in water usage tied directly to AI operations, with Microsoft's consumption jumping 34% in 2023 alone.
But Altman isn't backing down. His comparison of AI energy use to human consumption suggests OpenAI plans to push back harder against environmental critics rather than apologize for resource demands. The strategy marks a notable departure from the industry's previous approach of acknowledging concerns while promising future efficiency gains.
The timing is particularly fraught. OpenAI is reportedly planning its next-generation model release, which will require even more computational power and cooling infrastructure. The company recently signed deals for additional data center capacity, including facilities in water-stressed regions that have drawn criticism from environmental groups.
