We can live without AI, but can we live without clean water? Letters

People participate in a march to protest against the opening of AI datacentres in Vancouver, Canada, on 27 June 2026. People participate in a march to protest against the opening of AI datacentres in Vancouver, Canada, on 27 June 2026. We can live without AI, but can we live without clean water? Readers respond to an article about Erin Brockovich's battle against datacentres and voice their fears for the environment What are the benefits obtained from AI's massive use of electricity and water ( 'We're up against forces that have all the money in the world': Erin Brockovich on her battle against AI datacentres, 29 June)? Analysis shows that the top four uses of AI are "therapy/companionship", "technical assistance and troubleshooting", "fun and nonsense", and "fan fiction and storytelling". AI use for therapy, and due to loneliness, appears not to reduce loneliness.