Guardian analysis: Two-thirds of planned US AI datacenters located in drought-stricken areas
By
Oliver Milman, Andrew Witherspoon
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Summary
A Guardian analysis reveals that approximately two-thirds (517 out of 809) of planned AI datacenters in the US are set to be built in areas experiencing drought conditions. This comes amid a record-shattering drought affecting much of the country, raising concerns about the massive water consumption required to power and cool AI infrastructure. The findings highlight a growing tension between the rapid expansion of the AI industry and environmental sustainability, as outcry mounts over the water resources needed to support AI operations.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledAbout two-thirds of upcoming datacenters, which typically require a large amount of water to operate, are set to be built in places that have been among the driest in the country over the past year.
Of 809 planned datacenters, 517 are in locations that have been in drought conditions throughout the past year, according to data from Cleanview and the federal.
A record-shattering drought has racked much of the US. But the artificial intelligence industry is pushing ahead regardless.
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