The data centres powering Artificial Intelligence (AI) consume enormous amounts of energy, but according to new research, they have another worrying effect: they create 'heat islands', increasing temperatures within a radius of up to ten kilometres.
Data centres create 'heat islands': AI's environmental impact goes beyond energy consumption
Tuesday, 31 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Sustainability (sustentabilidade) means meeting present needs without reducing the ability of future generations to meet theirs, covering environmental, economic and social dimensions. For residents it affects local planning, jobs and services—look for municipal or company targets, timelines and measurable actions when assessing how sustainable a place or employer is.
