"The data center heat island effect is real and significant, especially in the context of global warming and climate transformation. Our results show that the data heat island effect could have a remarkable influence on communities and regional welfare in the future."
"We are one of the hottest places on Earth. It's mind-boggling to believe that these projects won't have an impact on our water and natural resources."
A March 2026 study indicates that AI data centers are contributing to heat islands, raising land surface temperatures by an average of 2 degrees Celsius. Researchers from institutions like the University of Cambridge analyzed satellite data from 2004 to 2024, confirming the significant impact of these heat islands on surrounding areas. The study warns that building AI data centers in hot regions, such as Southern California's Imperial Valley, could exacerbate local environmental issues and affect community welfare.
Read at SFGATE
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