Invisible Costs

I explored the significant energy and water demands of data centers that power everyday AI interactions. While AI is often seen as a force for efficiency and green innovation, its rapid development masks an urgent ecological burden—one that remains invisible in both public awareness and dominant narratives. Compounding this issue is the cultural phenomenon of sustainability fatigue, which dulls public engagement in the face of repeated environmental messaging. This project uses humor and visual storytelling to reveal the physical weight behind digital convenience. By making the invisible visible, it encourages more thoughtful, accountable interactions with AI systems.

This book can only be read when water is applied.

Behind every AI tool—whether it's training a model or responding to your question—there are data centers operating behind the scenes. These facilities consume significant amounts of water to remain cool and functional, yet this resource use often goes unnoticed.

Just as this book requires water to reveal its message, our digital world quietly relies on water to keep running.

Description: This video exposes the hidden energy costs of AI. On the left, we see mundane or ridiculous prompts given to ChatGPT. On the right, the equivalent energy consumption is visualized through familiar daily acts.

By using humor and absurdity, it responds to sustainability fatigue—not by blaming, but by offering a light atmosphere that encourages reflection.