Re: “Gen Z can’t save the planet while doomscrolling it dry” (Nov. 16, Opinion):
While I appreciate Sara Yassi’s directing responsibility and ownership of climate action on her Gen Z brethren, her recent opinion essay claimed Amazon’s data centers “consumed 105 billion gallons of water” in 2021, yet offered no explanation of what that number represents. Data-center water reporting can refer to several very different measures: total withdrawals, recycled loop water or the much smaller amount actually lost to evaporation. Many centers also use reclaimed, nonpotable water that doesn’t compete with drinking supplies.
Without these distinctions, readers are left with an inflated and misleading picture of environmental impact. Large numbers without definitions generate drama, not understanding. Accurate reporting requires context.
Mike Liepman, Gig Harbor
