AI’s Gluttonous Appetite Strains Global Resources

Cutting-edge technology demands vast energy and water, raising sustainability alarms.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, capable of tasks from writing prose to creating art, comes with a significant and growing environmental cost. As AI systems become more sophisticated, their energy and water consumption are escalating, prompting urgent concerns about their sustainability.

The Power-Hungry Chatbot

One prominent example, the popular chatbot ChatGPT, consumes an astonishing 564 megawatt-hours of electricity daily. This output rivals the average monthly energy usage of thousands of households, which typically range from 200 to 400 kilowatt-hours. Each interaction with AI involves a substantial, often invisible, energy draw.

A Digital Thirst

The demands extend beyond electricity. The manufacturing of a single AI chip requires over 8,000 liters of water. Even seemingly minor AI-generated outputs, like an email, can consume the equivalent of half a liter of water. This escalating water usage is particularly alarming as many new data centers are established in water-scarce regions.

Global Data Centers: Energy Hubs

Over 10,000 data centers worldwide currently process AI-driven information, with Europe hosting approximately a tenth of these facilities. The United States leads globally, accounting for 45% of all data centers. Projections indicate that by 2028, artificial intelligence will be responsible for over half of the total energy consumed within these centers, according to Berkeley Lab.

Future Consumption Forecasts

By 2026, European data centers are anticipated to increase their electricity consumption by 30% compared to 2022 levels, largely fueled by new AI technologies and digital services. A recent report highlights that the annual electricity needs for a single large language model could power nearly all electric vehicles in the U.S. or supply electricity to an entire country like Finland for a full day. Global AI energy consumption is expected to surge more than tenfold by 2026 compared to 2023 figures.

Bulgaria’s Role in the AI Landscape

Bulgaria is emerging as a significant regional player in artificial intelligence development. The nation is set to host new AI factories as part of the Brain++ project, alongside Austria, France, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia. This initiative, backed by approximately 485 million euros in national and European investments, aims to foster AI innovation.

Sofia Tech Park: A Hub for Innovation

Within Bulgaria, Sofia Tech Park will be home to the next-generation Discoverer++ supercomputer, designed for advanced tasks. A comprehensive AI center will also be established, offering integrated services for government, educational, and private entities seeking to implement AI innovations. This ambitious project represents a 90-million-euro collaboration between Insait and Sofia Tech Park.

AI: Ally or Obstacle for Climate Action?

While artificial intelligence holds the potential to be a powerful tool in combating climate change—optimizing energy grids, forecasting extreme weather, and improving agricultural and transport management—its current resource consumption poses a significant challenge. For artificial intelligence to truly serve sustainable development, addressing its substantial energy and water footprint is paramount.

Artificial intelligence systems require substantial energy and water resources.

Greece Faces Rising Prices, Economists Warn of Negative Economic Trend

Athens, July 1, 2025 – Greece is experiencing a critically important increase in prices, impacting both residents and tourists, according to recent data and analysis. While overall inflation has seen some fluctuation,specific sectors are reporting substantial year-over-year increases,raising concerns about the health of the Greek economy.

Inflation Overview:

Eurostat data released in March indicated a harmonized inflation rate of 3% in Greece for February, a slight decrease from January’s 3.1% [[1]]. However, more recent figures suggest a more complex picture.Data from May 2025 reveals greece is leading the EU in price hikes across key sectors like electricity and rent [[3]]. While Eurostat provides broader statistical overviews [[2]], the on-the-ground reality points to a more pronounced increase in consumer costs.

Specific Price Increases:

Establishments in Greece are reporting prices at least 7% higher than last year. A typical Greek salad, which cost around €9 last year, now ranges from €9 to €12, with a common price of €10. A beach frappe has increased from €4 to €5, while a beach burger now costs around €9 and a hot dog €5. Pizza Margarita is priced at €10, and fresh orange juice at €5.

Restaurant prices are also climbing. Traditional moussaka costs between €11-12, spaghetti dishes range from €10-13, and squid can reach up to €16 (though some restaurants offer portions for around €13).

Economic Concerns:

Economists are confirming a negative trend in the Greek economy, which is squeezing family budgets and potentially deterring foreign visitors. The rising costs are impacting everyday expenses for locals and adding to the overall cost of a vacation for tourists.[CTA: stay informed on the evolving economic landscape of Greece with world-today-news.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and in-depth analysis.]

News from Bulgaria

Chatgpt for a day = your monthly current account