Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live. This will help you search faster, learn more, and connect more easily. However, there is a hidden reality behind this smart technology.
Large buildings with powerful computers work nonstop, warming the surrounding land.
Rapid growth of AI systems
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and businesses are demanding greater computing power to support increasingly sophisticated tools. To meet this demand, we are expanding our data center infrastructure around the world.
These data centers are large buildings. Inside, thousands of computers work nonstop. Real estate company JLL says the number of these centers could double between 2025 and 2030.
While this growth advances technology, it also brings new challenges. Data centers use large amounts of electricity, and that energy is converted into heat.
That heat is not trapped inside the building. It slowly spreads into the surrounding land and increases the temperature of nearby areas.
A new type of thermal effect
Scientists call this the data heat island effect. It’s similar to how cities feel hotter than villages. In cities, buildings and roads trap heat. In a data center, machines do the same job.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge studied this effect. They discovered that when the data center started operating, the nearby land became warmer.
The average rate of increase is approximately 2°C (3.6°F). In some locations, the increase may be even larger. Temperatures can reach over 9°C (16.2°F), which is a large change for a single source.
Even small increases in soil temperature are important. It can change the way a place feels and the way people live.
A clear pattern emerges
Scientists did not visit all data centers. Instead, they used satellites that measure the temperature of the ground from space.
The researchers collected data from the past 20 years. We then matched this data with thousands of data center locations.
To clarify the results, the team avoided crowded cities with many heat sources. This allowed us to narrow our focus to just the data center impact.
The pattern was clear. Since the data center started operating, the land around it has gotten warmer.
Heat travels far
Research shows that heat doesn’t stay close to buildings, it spreads out.
In some cases, the effects can extend up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away. Even away from the center, the land is still warmer than before.
Even at an altitude of about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), the heat is still intense. It will go down just a little bit. This means that the effects can be felt over a wide area.
Actual location shows impact
We are already seeing this change in some regions. Parts of Mexico and Spain have experienced unusually high temperatures.
There are many data centers in these locations. At the same time, temperatures have increased by about 2°C (3.6°F) over the years.
This pattern is inconsistent with normal climate change. This suggests that data centers may play a role. Similar trends can be seen in parts of Brazil.
millions of people affected
This issue goes beyond land. People live close to these centers, but are often unaware of what is around them.
More than 340 million people live within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of a data center. That means the entire community is part of this story.
Many of these people may already be experiencing slightly warmer conditions. The changes are subtle, but they exist.
This warmth will change your daily life. Homes may require additional cooling. Electricity usage may increase. Over time, heat can also affect your comfort and health in ways that are difficult to ignore.
Why data centers generate heat
Within a data center, thousands of computers remain active every second. Process large amounts of data without stopping.
All this activity produces heat. The cooling system is working hard to control it, but it can’t capture it all.
Some of that heat leaks out and spreads to the surrounding area. Over time, it begins to accumulate.
There is also another problem. Not all of the energy used is actually spent on useful work. A large share turns into heat instead.
As AI continues to grow, these machines will need more and more power. As a result, the weather will continue to get hotter.
how to reduce fever
Solutions exist and work has already begun. One simple idea is to make AI systems more efficient. When machines use less energy, they generate less heat.
Cooling methods have also been improved. Some centers use liquid instead of air because it removes heat faster. Special materials also help keep buildings cool.
Energy can also be used more wisely. When demand is low, the system can operate with lower power. This helps reduce waste and heat.
Good design is also important. Better planning and smarter buildings can reduce the overall thermal impact.
The research will be published in a journal arXiv.
—–
Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for fascinating articles, exclusive content and the latest updates.
Check us out on EarthSnap, the free app from Eric Ralls and Earth.com.
—–
