AI data centres can warm surrounding areas by up to 9.1°C
a day ago
- #climate impact
- #heat islands
- #AI data centers
- AI data centers create 'heat islands' raising local surface temperatures by up to 9.1°C.
- Over 340 million people live within 10 km of data centers, experiencing warmer conditions.
- Data center capacity is projected to double by 2030, with AI driving half the demand.
- Satellite data shows temperature increases persist up to 10 km from data center sites.
- Researchers urge careful design and development to mitigate thermal impacts.