# Data centers are everywhere. Here’s what they’re doing to the planet.

https://mins.news/en/item/43384

- DW, 2026-09-03 08:53 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/data-centers-are-everywhere-here-s-what-they-re-doing-to-the-planet/a-78789889?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> The rapid expansion of data centers to support AI is putting pressure on power grids, consuming large amounts of water and reshaping nearby land and air. Their electricity use is expected to double by 2030, while cooling can require millions of gallons of water each day. The buildout is also linked to continued coal use, new gas plants and greater urban heat, although more efficient cooling and renewable power can reduce some impacts.

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