The Environmental Justice and Community Impacts of Data Centers
Abstract
From small towns facing rising utility costs to global concerns about carbon emissions, the impact of the digital revolution extends well beyond server rooms. As worries and pressures grow over the rapid development of massive data centers, an issue rarely discussed is the impact on communities, particularly from an environmental justice perspective. To date, the focus has primarily been on the energy‐intensive nature of these centers, whether the electric grid can accommodate the increased demand associated with their operation, and on the water usage that may be required to operate them.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Environmental Justice and Health Disparities
Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies
Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Climate and Energy
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 42
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 15–17
- Publication date
- 31 January 2026
- Language
- EN