Data centers, backbone of the digital economy, face water scarcity and climate risk
About 20% of data centers in the United States already rely on watersheds that are under moderate to high stress from drought and other factors. However, few companies are talking about the issue.
by Michael Copley
Aug 30, 2022
4 minutes
Data centers are springing up around the world to handle the torrent of information from the expanding web of devices ingrained in people's lives and the economy. Managing that digital information gusher is big business. It also comes with hidden environmental costs.
For years, companies that operate data centers have faced scrutiny for the huge amounts of electricity they use storing and moving digital information like emails and videos. Now, the U.S. public is beginning to take notice of the water many facilities require to keep from overheating. Like cooling systems in large office buildings, water often is evaporated
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