The True Cost of the Technology Cloud: Why Major Tech Giants Should Fund the Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium

By Renae Bruce-Miller

The tech industry has a water problem. Every search query, every AI-generated response, and every streamed video comes with an environmental cost that few consumers consider. Companies like Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Microsoft, and OpenAI are not just devouring electricity to power their massive data centers—they are also consuming billions of gallons of water to cool their servers. As these companies push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, their environmental footprint grows exponentially. Now, it’s time for them to offset that impact.

One critical way these tech giants can contribute to environmental sustainability is by funding conservation and carbon offset projects. The Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium—a groundbreaking initiative in Tanzania—is a prime candidate for such support. By investing in this project, companies can contribute to marine conservation, sustainable education, and a global effort to mitigate the environmental toll of technology.

The Silent Toll: How Big Tech is Draining Our Water Resources

The environmental cost of running data centers is staggering. In 2022, Alphabet reported that its data centers consumed 5.6 billion gallons of water—enough to supply a city of 100,000 people for a year. Microsoft’s water usage surged by 34% between 2021 and 2022, reaching nearly 7 billion gallons. OpenAI, though newer to the scene, relies on Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure, which means its operations contribute significantly to this growing water footprint.

To cool the tens of thousands of servers operating 24/7, these companies draw from local water supplies, often in drought-prone regions. The more AI-driven technology advances, the more water it requires. Yet, few of these firms have adequately addressed how they plan to replenish what they consume. The Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium presents a compelling opportunity for them to do so.

Why Fund the Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium?

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium isn’t just an attraction—it’s an environmental and educational initiative with far-reaching implications. Here’s why tech companies should step up:

1. Carbon Offsets Through Marine Conservation
   The project will play a crucial role in marine conservation efforts, including coral reef restoration and sustainable fisheries programs. Oceans are the world’s largest carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 25% of human-made CO₂ emissions. By investing in ocean conservation, tech companies can directly contribute to reducing global carbon levels.
2. Aiding Water Sustainability Efforts
   By supporting marine conservation and sustainable water practices, tech firms can offset their excessive water consumption. The aquarium’s research initiatives will focus on water purification and sustainable marine habitats—areas that tech firms can benefit from as they refine their cooling strategies.
3. Education and Global Outreach
   The planetarium component will provide interactive educational programs on climate change, space exploration, and environmental science. This aligns with many tech firms’ missions to advance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education worldwide.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & ESG Commitments
   As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics become more critical to investors and consumers, funding this initiative would enhance tech firms’ sustainability portfolios. Rather than relying on superficial carbon credits, companies can demonstrate a tangible commitment to conservation and education.

Tech Philanthropy: Who’s Most Likely to Help?

Several tech giants already have philanthropic programs that align with environmental sustainability and STEM education. Here’s a list of potential donors who could help fund the Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium:

• Alphabet (Google.org): Has pledged billions toward climate solutions and AI for environmental monitoring.
• Microsoft Philanthropies: Focuses on AI for Earth, sustainability initiatives, and water conservation research.
• Amazon (AWS in Communities): Invests in climate resilience projects, sustainable innovation, and STEM education.
• Meta (Facebook): Supports environmental initiatives and sustainability research.
• OpenAI (via Microsoft and nonprofit initiatives): Could contribute through AI-driven sustainability solutions.
• NVIDIA Foundation: Focuses on AI for good, climate science, and tech-based environmental solutions.
• Salesforce.org: Funds conservation efforts and promotes sustainability through business operations.
• Tesla and SpaceX (Elon Musk Foundations): Support sustainability and space exploration, both of which align with the planetarium’s mission.

Beyond Carbon Credits: A New Model for Tech Responsibility

Many tech companies have traditionally relied on carbon credits to offset their emissions. However, critics argue that these credits often support ineffective or poorly managed projects. Directly funding initiatives like the Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium offers a more transparent and impactful way to address environmental harm.

Instead of simply “buying” their way out of ecological responsibility, these companies can create a lasting impact. They can contribute not just funds but also expertise—whether through AI-driven marine conservation tools, data analytics for ocean health monitoring, or funding innovative water-cooling technologies.

A Call to Action

As the demand for AI and cloud computing continues to skyrocket, the environmental footprint of tech companies will only grow. Rather than waiting for government regulations or public backlash, these firms have an opportunity to lead in global conservation efforts.

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium and Planetarium is more than an investment in Tanzania—it’s an investment in the future of the planet. By funding this initiative, tech companies can mitigate their water and carbon footprint, enhance their social responsibility standing, and contribute to a sustainable world.

It’s time for tech giants to look beyond the digital cloud and protect the real clouds, oceans, and ecosystems that sustain us all.