Urgent Call to Action: California Data Center Health Risks Surge
Pollution from California's data centers has tripled health impacts since 2019, prompting calls for sustainable solutions.
The technological backbone that powers our digital world is now a growing health concern. Researchers at UC Riverside have revealed that pollution from California’s data centers has tripled health impacts over four years, from 2019 to 2023. Absent intervention, these impacts could surge another 72% by 2028, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Skyrocketing Power Consumption
California’s data centers have nearly doubled their electricity consumption, equivalent to what millions of American homes use annually. As stated in University of California, Riverside, this booming demand for data processing is straining the state’s grid, which, although relatively clean, still largely depends on natural gas. The path towards remedies is outlined in a report by UCR engineers and the think tank Next 10, urging policymakers to embrace cleaner energy alternatives.
Clean Energy Future
California stands as a potential beacon for eco-friendly technological progress, says Shaolei Ren, report co-author and UCR associate professor. Through persistent policy and regulatory actions, California could spearhead the transformation of data center operations to a more sustainable model. Such steps include replacing diesel generators with long-duration battery storage, paired renewables, and aggressive pollution mitigation.
Hidden Environmental Costs
Alongside air pollution, water consumption ranks high in the environmental toll. From 2019 to 2023, water usage for cooling and electricity generation ballooned to over 49.9 billion liters. In a drought-prone region, this resource strain also demands attention. By 2028, water consumption could reach levels that stress California’s already limited water supplies.
Transparency and Accountability
The report also highlights the opaque nature of environmental impacts from co-location data centers where major tech companies operate. Despite public concern, actual data on these facilities remains sparse, an issue underscored by Shaolei Ren. Greater transparency can pave the way for informed decision-making, bolstering public trust and fostering environmental responsibility.
Charting the Course Ahead
Aligning data center growth with sustainable practices offers mutual benefits - a cleaner environment and healthier communities. According to the next steps outlined in the report, advocates and leaders must act swiftly to harness the power of innovation while conserving environmental resources.
A transformative path lies ahead, driven by proactive policy shifts and professional responsibility, promising a future where technology can grow in harmony with nature’s needs.
