Environmental campaigners are clashing with data centre operators over the environmental impact of massive server farms. In Northern Virginia, home to the world’s largest concentration of data centres, activists argue that the industry is straining local infrastructure and exacerbating climate change.
Data centres, which store and process vast amounts of digital information, are fuelled by cheap electricity and have become a major contributor to internet traffic. However, their massive energy consumption has raised concerns about water scarcity, air pollution, and climate change.
Critics point to the construction of new data centre facilities in areas with limited natural resources, such as conservation land and parks. They also argue that households are being asked to pay for electricity network upgrades to support the centres’ growing demand.
Environmentalists like Julie Bolthouse, director of Piedmont Environmental Council, are leading the charge against data centre expansion. “We’re working directly on the ground, opposing each data centre application and trying to educate our local planning commission about the issues we see,” she said.
However, major players in the industry say they are taking steps to improve sustainability. Microsoft has pledged to power its global operations with 100% renewable energy by next year, while Amazon Web Services aims to be “water positive” by 2030.
The debate highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation around data centre development. As demand for clean energy continues to grow, it is essential that the industry prioritises environmental sustainability.
Key figures in the global data centre industry acknowledge that there are steps being taken to address concerns. Josh Levi, president of the Data Center Coalition, notes that wind and solar capacity contracted to data centres accounted for two-thirds of the US corporate renewables market last year.
The protests against data centres have sparked a broader conversation about the environmental impact of digital infrastructure. As the industry continues to grow, it is crucial that policymakers and business leaders work together to create more sustainable and responsible practices.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0mlrx0jxno