Embracing Disruption
AI’s growing thirst for water
AI’s rapid growth brings an underappreciated sustainability challenge: water. Morgan Stanley projects an 11x increase in AI-related water consumption by 2028, primarily from cooling and electricity generation. While the absolute numbers are modest globally, the localised impacts in water-stressed regions are severe, with climate change amplifying risks. For policymakers, this means balancing innovation with resource sustainability. For investors, it presents both risks (regulation, project delays, reputational damage) and opportunities (in enablers, renewables, and stewardship leaders).