AI data centers tied to 'heat island' effect, temp increases
Research led by Andrea Marinoni of the University of Cambridge found that large data centers used to power artificial intelligence are linked to localized 'heat island' effects, raising surface temperatures around them by an average of 3.6 degrees. The study examined over 6,000 data centers worldwide using remote sensing data.
Large data centers used to power artificial intelligence are linked to localized 'heat island' effects, raising surface temperatures around them. Research led by Andrea Marinoni of the University of Cambridge examined over 6,000 data centers worldwide using remote sensing data. Surface temperatures increased by an average of 3.6 degrees after data centers began operating, with some cases seeing increases of up to 16.4 degrees. The study focused on surface temperatures measured around facilities. Data centers require large amounts of electricity, which ultimately becomes heat released into the surrounding environment. Nevada had around 40 data centers in 2024, with Northern Nevada driving much of the growth.
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