In a shocking turn of events, Brazil is aggressively pursuing the establishment of AI data centers in drought-stricken regions, raising alarm over the environmental toll. As the country grapples with severe water shortages, the Lula government is betting on a digital gold rush, luring tech giants like TikTok to invest millions in infrastructure that could further deplete precious water resources.

Recent reports reveal that Brazil’s once-bountiful rivers are dwindling, with northeastern cities like Kokaya suffering from drought in 16 of the past 21 years. While officials tout the promise of jobs and economic growth, critics warn that these data centers—thirsty for both energy and water—could exacerbate existing crises. A staggering 500 milliliters of water can be consumed for every 20 to 50 queries processed by AI, a fact that raises pressing questions about sustainability.

Local journalist Liz Mings emphasizes the urgent need for transparency, noting that the environmental ministry has been excluded from crucial discussions about these projects. With 22 data center initiatives underway, five are located in drought-prone areas, leading to fears that the local population will bear the brunt of increased water scarcity and rising energy costs.

As protests against similar projects erupt globally, Brazilians are urged to demand accountability and information from both their government and tech companies. The question looms: can Brazil afford to gamble on AI while its rivers run dry? The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher.