Artificial intelligence runs on water. Does Jordan have enough?
Artificial intelligence is often presented as a revolution driven by algorithms, data and computing power. However, behind every AI application lies a physical infrastructure that requires significant amounts of energy and, increasingly, water. As countries accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence to improve economies, education, healthcare and public services, a critical question is emerging: what is the environmental cost of this digital transformation?
Artificial intelligence does not operate in an invisible virtual space. It depends on large-scale data centers filled with thousands of servers that require continuous cooling to function efficiently. These facilities consume electricity, and many cooling systems rely on water. In addition, electricity production itself can have a water footprint, particularly in systems that require water for cooling. As AI models become larger and more widely used, the resources needed to operate them are becoming an important part of the global sustainability discussion.
Recent research has highlighted that the water footprint of artificial intelligence is an often-overlooked aspect of the technology revolution. The exact amount of water used depends on several factors, including the location of data centers, the type of cooling technology used, and the source of electricity. However, the message is clear: digital innovation has a physical impact, and responsible AI development must consider its environmental consequences.
This issue carries particular significance for countries facing severe water scarcity. Jordan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with limited renewable water resources and growing pressures caused by population growth, climate change and increasing demand. Water security has long been a national priority, requiring continuous investment in conservation, infrastructure development and innovative management solutions.
At the same time, Jordan is embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence as tools for economic development and improved public services. Artificial intelligence has the potential to support national priorities by improving decision-making, enhancing healthcare services, strengthening education, and increasing efficiency across different sectors. In the water sector specifically, AI can contribute to better forecasting, early detection of network losses, smarter irrigation systems and more efficient resource management.
The challenge for Jordan is therefore not whether to participate in the AI revolution, but how to ensure that this transformation is sustainable. As the country attracts investment in digital technologies and develops its AI capabilities, environmental considerations should become an essential part of technology planning. Digital infrastructure decisions must take into account energy efficiency, water availability and the long-term impact on natural resources.
For water-scarce countries, the future of artificial intelligence should be built around responsible innovation. Data centers can adopt more efficient cooling technologies, increase the use of renewable energy, and improve transparency regarding their environmental performance. Policymakers, technology companies, researchers and universities all have a role in ensuring that AI development supports sustainability rather than creating additional pressure on limited resources.
Jordan’s experience with water challenges also provides an opportunity. A country that has developed expertise in water management, reuse and conservation can use artificial intelligence not only as a consumer of resources, but also as a tool to protect them. By combining digital innovation with environmental responsibility, Jordan can demonstrate how emerging technologies can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The AI revolution is moving rapidly, and countries cannot afford to consider technology and sustainability as separate priorities. For Jordan, where every drop of water matters, the integration of artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with water security. The future of innovation should not only be intelligent; it must also be sustainable.
Artificial intelligence may be powered by data and algorithms, but it also depends on the planet’s natural resources. Recognizing this hidden connection between AI and water is an essential step toward building a digital future that benefits society while protecting the resources on which life depends.
Lubna Hanna Ammari, Assistant Dean of Ammon Applied University College
Artificial intelligence is often presented as a revolution driven by algorithms, data and computing power. However, behind every AI application lies a physical infrastructure that requires significant amounts of energy and, increasingly, water. As countries accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence to improve economies, education, healthcare and public services, a critical question is emerging: what is the environmental cost of this digital transformation?
Artificial intelligence does not operate in an invisible virtual space. It depends on large-scale data centers filled with thousands of servers that require continuous cooling to function efficiently. These facilities consume electricity, and many cooling systems rely on water. In addition, electricity production itself can have a water footprint, particularly in systems that require water for cooling. As AI models become larger and more widely used, the resources needed to operate them are becoming an important part of the global sustainability discussion.
Recent research has highlighted that the water footprint of artificial intelligence is an often-overlooked aspect of the technology revolution. The exact amount of water used depends on several factors, including the location of data centers, the type of cooling technology used, and the source of electricity. However, the message is clear: digital innovation has a physical impact, and responsible AI development must consider its environmental consequences.
This issue carries particular significance for countries facing severe water scarcity. Jordan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with limited renewable water resources and growing pressures caused by population growth, climate change and increasing demand. Water security has long been a national priority, requiring continuous investment in conservation, infrastructure development and innovative management solutions.
At the same time, Jordan is embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence as tools for economic development and improved public services. Artificial intelligence has the potential to support national priorities by improving decision-making, enhancing healthcare services, strengthening education, and increasing efficiency across different sectors. In the water sector specifically, AI can contribute to better forecasting, early detection of network losses, smarter irrigation systems and more efficient resource management.
The challenge for Jordan is therefore not whether to participate in the AI revolution, but how to ensure that this transformation is sustainable. As the country attracts investment in digital technologies and develops its AI capabilities, environmental considerations should become an essential part of technology planning. Digital infrastructure decisions must take into account energy efficiency, water availability and the long-term impact on natural resources.
For water-scarce countries, the future of artificial intelligence should be built around responsible innovation. Data centers can adopt more efficient cooling technologies, increase the use of renewable energy, and improve transparency regarding their environmental performance. Policymakers, technology companies, researchers and universities all have a role in ensuring that AI development supports sustainability rather than creating additional pressure on limited resources.
Jordan’s experience with water challenges also provides an opportunity. A country that has developed expertise in water management, reuse and conservation can use artificial intelligence not only as a consumer of resources, but also as a tool to protect them. By combining digital innovation with environmental responsibility, Jordan can demonstrate how emerging technologies can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The AI revolution is moving rapidly, and countries cannot afford to consider technology and sustainability as separate priorities. For Jordan, where every drop of water matters, the integration of artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with water security. The future of innovation should not only be intelligent; it must also be sustainable.
Artificial intelligence may be powered by data and algorithms, but it also depends on the planet’s natural resources. Recognizing this hidden connection between AI and water is an essential step toward building a digital future that benefits society while protecting the resources on which life depends.
Lubna Hanna Ammari, Assistant Dean of Ammon Applied University College
Artificial intelligence is often presented as a revolution driven by algorithms, data and computing power. However, behind every AI application lies a physical infrastructure that requires significant amounts of energy and, increasingly, water. As countries accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence to improve economies, education, healthcare and public services, a critical question is emerging: what is the environmental cost of this digital transformation?
Artificial intelligence does not operate in an invisible virtual space. It depends on large-scale data centers filled with thousands of servers that require continuous cooling to function efficiently. These facilities consume electricity, and many cooling systems rely on water. In addition, electricity production itself can have a water footprint, particularly in systems that require water for cooling. As AI models become larger and more widely used, the resources needed to operate them are becoming an important part of the global sustainability discussion.
Recent research has highlighted that the water footprint of artificial intelligence is an often-overlooked aspect of the technology revolution. The exact amount of water used depends on several factors, including the location of data centers, the type of cooling technology used, and the source of electricity. However, the message is clear: digital innovation has a physical impact, and responsible AI development must consider its environmental consequences.
This issue carries particular significance for countries facing severe water scarcity. Jordan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with limited renewable water resources and growing pressures caused by population growth, climate change and increasing demand. Water security has long been a national priority, requiring continuous investment in conservation, infrastructure development and innovative management solutions.
At the same time, Jordan is embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence as tools for economic development and improved public services. Artificial intelligence has the potential to support national priorities by improving decision-making, enhancing healthcare services, strengthening education, and increasing efficiency across different sectors. In the water sector specifically, AI can contribute to better forecasting, early detection of network losses, smarter irrigation systems and more efficient resource management.
The challenge for Jordan is therefore not whether to participate in the AI revolution, but how to ensure that this transformation is sustainable. As the country attracts investment in digital technologies and develops its AI capabilities, environmental considerations should become an essential part of technology planning. Digital infrastructure decisions must take into account energy efficiency, water availability and the long-term impact on natural resources.
For water-scarce countries, the future of artificial intelligence should be built around responsible innovation. Data centers can adopt more efficient cooling technologies, increase the use of renewable energy, and improve transparency regarding their environmental performance. Policymakers, technology companies, researchers and universities all have a role in ensuring that AI development supports sustainability rather than creating additional pressure on limited resources.
Jordan’s experience with water challenges also provides an opportunity. A country that has developed expertise in water management, reuse and conservation can use artificial intelligence not only as a consumer of resources, but also as a tool to protect them. By combining digital innovation with environmental responsibility, Jordan can demonstrate how emerging technologies can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The AI revolution is moving rapidly, and countries cannot afford to consider technology and sustainability as separate priorities. For Jordan, where every drop of water matters, the integration of artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with water security. The future of innovation should not only be intelligent; it must also be sustainable.
Artificial intelligence may be powered by data and algorithms, but it also depends on the planet’s natural resources. Recognizing this hidden connection between AI and water is an essential step toward building a digital future that benefits society while protecting the resources on which life depends.
Lubna Hanna Ammari, Assistant Dean of Ammon Applied University College
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Artificial intelligence runs on water. Does Jordan have enough?
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