%

Tiny Dolls, Big Footprint

Published

6 days ago

April 12, 2025

A Data Center. Is the environmental cost really worth it for a few viral posts? Credit: Wikipedia

You’ve probably spotted it by now — mates or influencers popping up on your feed as tiny action figures, boxed up like toys and surrounded by quirky little props. It’s all a bit of fun on the surface, but some people are sounding the alarm about what’s going on behind the scenes.

Creating these AI-generated images isn’t as harmless as it looks. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney or Copilot need huge data centres to function — we’re talking buildings crammed with servers running non-stop. And all that tech takes a serious amount of electricity and water to keep cool and operational.

In fact, some experts reckon the energy used by the AI industry could soon rival that of an entire country like the Netherlands. On top of that, many of these systems rely on water-based cooling, where large quantities of water are used — and lost — in the process of keeping the servers from overheating.

While some tech companies are looking into greener alternatives, the sheer demand for AI content is growing fast. And that’s got plenty of people asking: is the environmental cost really worth it for a few viral posts?

“We joke in my house that every time we create one of these AI memes, a tree dies,” said TechRadar editor Lance Ulanoff. “It’s an exaggeration, of course – but not without truth.”

Every time you use an AI tool, you’re tapping into a massive web of technology behind the scenes — and it’s thirstier than you might think.

AI tools like ChatGPT rely on huge data centres packed with thousands of servers. These machines get extremely hot, so they need proper cooling systems to keep things running smoothly.

One common method is water-based cooling, where water passes through towers, absorbs the heat from the servers, and then evaporates. It works well, but it uses a surprising amount of water. In fact, tools like ChatGPT can use around half a litre of water for every 5 to 50 interactions.

Álvaro Peña, an expert in artificial intelligence, told: “People don’t realise just how much water is used to generate a single AI image — let alone that just a few interactions could cost half a litre.”

He also points out that it’s not just the cooling we should be thinking about. “There are other stages that also demand water — like chip manufacturing and even the energy generation needed to run these systems — but those rarely get counted in the overall footprint.”

So, while asking an AI to draw you as a cartoon or write your emails might seem harmless, it all adds up — not just in data, but in water too.

But that’s not the only thing raising eyebrows. To train these AI systems, companies often pull in huge amounts of content from the internet — including copyrighted work — and it’s not always clear if the original creators gave permission or got paid for it. Then there’s the problem of bias. Because these tools learn from whatever’s out there online, they can end up repeating stereotypes or spreading dodgy information without anyone noticing.

Still, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. People upload a selfie, jot down a few instructions — maybe they want to appear as a superhero, or have their job title printed on the box — and the AI does the rest. The end result? A mini version of themselves, packaged up like a Barbie or Action Man figure, ready to be shared online.

It’s not always accurate – many users have shared hilarious results where the doll looks nothing like them. But the novelty is enough to keep people coming back, and brands have caught on too. Everyone from beauty companies to the Royal Mail has jumped in on the act.

“Just because something’s trending doesn’t mean we all need to do it,” says one activist. “We should be thinking more critically about how we use tech – especially when the planet’s paying the price.”

Trends come and go, but the environmental damage could linger. So before turning yourself into a doll, it might be worth considering whether the momentary fun is worth the long-term cost.

Up Next

News In Brief: Costa Calida

Don't Miss

Foot-And-Mouth Outbreak: A Man-Made Virus?

%

Cable Car Crash Near Naples Kills 4 People

Published

1 hour ago

April 18, 2025

Letara Draghia

cable-car-crash-near-naples-kills-4-people

Monte Faito cable car crash. Credit: X @micene_return

Four people, including two British tourists, died, and one person was seriously injured after a cable car crashed near Naples, Italy, on Thursday, April 17.

The cabin was travelling from Castellammare di Stabia to Monte Faito when the accident occurred just days after reopening for the season, according to several reports.

Cable car crash, Monte Faito, Italy

According to The Guardian, a cable broke on the popular tourist route, sending the upward-bound cable car crashing to the ground. The Italian fire department stated via Telegram: ‘Four lifeless bodies were found, while a fifth injured person was rescued and taken to hospital,’ confirming this as the final toll.

The Daily Mail reported that ‘two British tourists are among the four who were killed… The third victim is said to be from Israel, while the fourth was the driver of the cable car and has been named as Carmine Parlato.’ A second Israeli tourist was seriously injured, having ‘suffered multiple bone fractures’ and was airlifted to Naples’ Ospedale del Mare hospital.

More than 50 firefighters participated in the emergency response, but strong winds and fog severely hampered the rescue effort. One cabin near Castellammare was lowered safely, while the other remained terrifyingly suspended above a ravine.

Footage published by Italian TV and shared online showed that 16 survivors were helped out of the other cabin and evacuated one by one by harness.

How did the cable car crash happen?

An investigation has been opened by the Torre Annunziata prosecutor’s office. Castellammare Mayor Luigi Vicinanza explained: “The traction cable broke. The emergency brake downstream worked, but evidently not the one on the cabin that was entering the station” (Cited by The Daily Mail).

The head of the cable car operator Ente Autonomo Volturno, Umberto De Gregorio, told The Guardian: “The cable car reopened 10 days ago with all the required safety conditions… What happened today is an unimaginable, unforeseeable tragedy.”

The Monte Faito cable car, operational since 1952, has a tragic history. An accident back in1960 also left four dead.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was in Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump at the time, issued her condolences via a government press release, stating she wished to express “her closeness and deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the injured.”

Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi also responded, saying: “I express deep condolences, on behalf of the Metropolitan City of Naples and myself, for the victims of the tragedy that occurred this afternoon due to the collapse of the Faito cable car cabin.”

View all news from Italy.

%

Heavy Rain Over Easter: Yellow Warnings

Published

15 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Letara Draghia

Cork, Ireland. Credit: Brandon Alexander, Pexels

Met Éireann has issued Status Yellow rain warnings for several counties in Ireland as “spells of rain, heavy at times” are expected to cause localised flooding during the Easter weekend.

The warnings begin tonight (April 17) and run through until Saturday morning, April 19. Met Éireann issued three separate warnings covering southern, western, and southeastern counties.

When and where the Yellow rain warnings apply in Ireland this weekend

Cork and Kerry: The alert is valid from 11pm Thursday April 17, to 12pm Friday, April 18, with “spells of rain, heavy at times,” that could lead to “localised flooding.”
Galway and Mayo: A second Status Yellow warning is in place from 6am to 9pm Friday, April 18 mirroring flood risks mentioned above.
Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford: A third warning applies from 6am Friday 18 to 6am Saturday 19, with “heavy spells of rain” also expected.

Met Éireann also issued a Small Craft Warning for marine areas from Dungarvan to Roche’s Point to Valentia, with “easterly winds reaching force 6,” valid from 9pm Thursday to midnight Friday.

Thursday and Friday weather this Easter in Ireland

Despite a calm start, “showers will become heavier and more frequent in the afternoon as they move northwards,” Met Éireann said in a forecast update. Rain will develop in the southwest by early evening on Thursday, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 13°C.

The national forecaster warned that “tonight will be wet and breezy, with showery rain moving northwards across the country,” and “the rain will be heavy at times and may cause localised flooding.” Overnight lows are expected to be 4°C to 8°C.

Saturday and Easter Sunday outlook in Ireland

Saturday will start “cloudy and damp, with further outbreaks of rain,” according to Independent.ie. Some dry spells may appear later in the day, especially in the east. Temperatures are forecast to reach 9°C to 15°C during the day and drop to 5°C to 9°C overnight.

For Easter Sunday, Met Éireann said there is still “some uncertainty”, but “current indications show dry weather in the east with occasional sunny spells, but cloudier weather in the west with rain moving in.” Temperatures will range from 10°C to 14°C during the day and dip to 7°C to 9°C at night.

Easter Monday weather in Ireland

Rain is expected to clear from the northeast by Monday morning, followed by “sunny spells and showers,” according to Met Éireann. Temperatures will rise to a more pleasant 11°C to 14°C.

Will this wet forecast change your Easter plans?

View all news from Ireland.

View all weather news.

%

5 Mistakes Expats Make Buying A Home In Spain

Published

16 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Olivier Acuna Barba

5-mistakes-expats-make-buying-a-home-in-spain

Spanish Living

By Olivier Acuña Barba • Published: 17 Apr 2025 • 16:59 • 3 minutes read

Purchasing a dream home in Spain could become a nightmare. Beware of common mistakes | Photo: Caron Badkin/Shutterstock

Fortunately enough, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s proposal to hike taxes to 100 per cent for expats seeking to purchase a home in the country has not proceeded. At least not yet.

When he brought up the idea, he seemed fed up with wealthy expats inflating the property market. Of course, the huge tax would only be for folks from outside the European Union. Sanchez’s proposal has not been discussed or at least has not progressed any further since January, when he first floated the proposal.

For now, Spain has many legal protections for international property buyers. However, that does not mean purchasing a home in this country is risk-free. For expats, the Costa del Sol is one of Spain’s most sought-after locations for luxurious real estate. Beautiful beaches and 300 days of Mediterranean sun are arguably two of the most compelling reasons to feel drawn to this area. There are also many beachfront apartments, golf residential villas, and gated communities in Estepona, Marbella, Benahavis and the la Nueva Milla Dorada. For those who don’t know yet, this new location in Estepona has taken its name from the Milla Dorada of Marbella.

It’s relatively new, 20 years or so. It’s route between San Pedro de Alcantara in Marbella to the oriental part of Estepona. Its beaches are blanketed by fine, golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Top five mistakes to watch out for

Let’s get down to the Euro Weekly News’ selection of the five top mistakes expats make when purchasing property in Spain.

Not hiring a lawyer: From purchasing a home or flat that has been illegally modified to property restrictions that sellers do not disclose, makes it critical to have a lawyer who can save lots of money and unnecessary hassles. Don’t listen to those who reassure you don’t need a lawyer if you have a notary public. You need a lawyer to investigate all the potential legal nightmares buying your dream home may cause.
Underestimating costs and other financial pitfalls: Let’s say you are from the UK and have found a lovely home. Congratulations. But did you know that if the euro gains 3 per cent on the pound it could cost you thousands? Suddenly, dream home no more, right? The other critical issues to watch for stem from focusing solely on the listing price, and forgetting there are also additional taxes and fees that could increase your purchase by up to 15 per cent. Here are some additional costs to consider: Resale properties are subject to a 7 per cent Transfer Tax (ITP). This could vary depending on the location. Newly built properties are subject to a 10 per cent VAT (IVA), plus 1.2 per cent Stamp Duty (AJD). This could also vary. Notary, registry, and legal fees are typically anywhere between 1 to 2 per cent of the purchase price. Potential mortgage Fees, bank charges, commissions, and costs of property valuation, and insurance costs.
Believe it or not, buying in the wrong location: The best recommendation is to visit your preferred location or locations several times during different times of the year. Make sure you will be happy and that your location has all the extras and amenities you would hope for, including shops, supermarkets, pubs, gyms, schools, and other services.
Tempted by the ‘devil’: This is a big one to consider. You may be asked to underreport the amount you paid or are paying for the home so both parties can save cash on taxes. While you might get away with this ploy, you might still end up paying the consequences if you sell at a higher price, because then you are slammed with capital gains tax. This makes the number one mistake, not having a lawyer, all the more important.
Don’t forget the property/structural inspection: It’s not common practice in Spain to conduct a full property inspection. However, that doesn’t mean you should pay for one. It’s for your own good. Poorly built properties were common in the early 2000s, but even presently, you might come across hidden issues with land or structure that could cost you tons of cash later. Many older homes have renovations that might have required a permit. Oops! That could be a problem.

Those are Euro Weekly News’ top picks, but surely there are more mistakes, such as ignoring rental laws and tax obligations, and the hidden risks of purchasing off-plan market, in other words, residential areas that are still being developed. Construction noise and dust could be a deal-breaker for many people in the real estate market.

Sign up for personalised news

Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!

By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.