However,
Semiconductors dried up climate change:
While artificial intelligence continues to grow at a dazzling speed. In addition, it could well weaken the bases even on which it rests. Similarly, Because semiconductors, essential to its manufacture, are increasingly threatened by water shortages, which are amplified by global warming … Similarly, to which artificial intelligence contributes more and more. Moreover,
L’artificial intelligence (Ia) is not without environmental consequences. In addition, Its deployment is based on energy -consuming infrastructure, and especially Hydrovores. In addition, THE semiconductors This is the technological heart. indeed require large quantities of copper, metal whose extraction requires up to 85 liters of water per kilo produced. However, 28 million tonnes are consumed each year globally, according to the International Association of Copper Producers.
An industry on the verge of overheating – Semiconductors dried up climate change
With the multiplication of dryness episodes, the supply chains are weakening. THE Chilithe world’s leading producer semiconductors dried up climate change of copper. is already classified at high water risk, impacting 7% of the current production of semiconductors. According to a Pwc firm reportthis proportion could increase to 32% by 2035. with cascade effects on other key countries such as China, South Korea, Japan or the United States.
This happens that the semiconductor market is preparing. according to the sector, to cross the $ 1,000 billion in value within five years. In this context, each threat weighing on the production chain takes on a strategic dimension. Semiconductors are qualified by Pwc as ” vital element »Modern technology. They are present everywhere: telecommunications, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, defense …
Limited responses
To cope with these tensions, there are several levers of action. The first -. more important – is however the least used by the players in the field: the reduction of emissions by human activities of greenhouse gases responsible for the semiconductors dried up climate change global warmingto tackle the root of the problem. The sector. on the other hand, opts for more technical approaches: less water -consuming extraction techniques are under development, and certain projects are focusing on the musination of seawater. This solution remains controversial due to its significant ecological impacts.
For semiconductors, research looks at alternative materials to copper. But one of the most concrete levers remains recycling: in 2022. a third of the copper consumed already came from recycled sources, and this figure could further increase. Because unlike other materials, copper can be recycled without loss of performance.
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