Study finds AI data centers raise local land temperatures by up to 16°F, affecting 340 million people
By
Jasmine Fernández
Summary
New research led by the University of Cambridge reveals that data centers powering AI are creating localized "data heat islands" that warm surrounding land surfaces by an average of 3.6°F (2°C), with extreme cases reaching 16.4°F (9.1°C). The study estimates over 340 million people live within 6.2 miles of a data center and are affected by this warming effect.
Source
bskyStudy finds AI data centers raise local land temperatures by up to 16°F, affecting 340 million peopleindependent.co.ukKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe rapid global expansion of data centers used to power artificial intelligence is creating 'data heat islands' that significantly warm the surrounding environment, according to new research.
These vast AI data centers can increase local land surface temperatures by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2C), with some extreme cases recording rises of up to 16.4 degrees Fahrenheit (9.1C).
This localized warming effect is estimated to affect more than 340 million people worldwide.
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