The environmental campaigners fighting against data centres

Published On Nov 3, 2024, 7:01 PM

Julie Bolthouse, an environmental campaigner in Northern Virginia, opposes the expansion of data centers in the area, citing issues like increased electricity demand, water consumption, and air quality concerns due to diesel generators. Northern Virginia is home to over 477 data centers, largely due to its proximity to Washington DC and lower electricity costs. The demand for data centers is surging, especially with the growth of AI, leading to predictions of global data center capacity doubling in the next five years. Environmentalists argue for halting or better regulating data center expansions to mitigate negative impacts on local communities and infrastructure. Technology companies, including Microsoft and Amazon, are trying to address these concerns by committing to renewable energy initiatives and improving their operational sustainability.