How do AI data centers impact the environment?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order imposing a one-year moratorium on environmental permits for large data centers, making New York the first U.S. state to do so. The decision, made on a Tuesday, aims to provide state officials with time to establish new regulations to safeguard the electrical grid, the environment, and local communities where these facilities are proposed.

Former President Trump criticized the legislation on social media, arguing that data centers are a significant driver of future jobs, taxes, and "liquid gold."

The video also featured Dr. Mike Weinstein, director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, who explained the significant environmental impact of AI data centers. He noted that in 2024, data centers globally consumed approximately 460 terawatts of electricity, representing 4-5% of the entire U.S. electricity mix. Projections indicate this global demand could double to 1,000 terawatts by 2030 and reach 1,300 terawatts by 2035, potentially causing data centers to account for 12% or more of total U.S. electricity generation. Dr. Weinstein also highlighted the substantial water footprint of AI globally, which by 2030 could equal the water needs of 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa. He clarified that 70-75% of this water usage, particularly in water-stressed areas like the American Southwest, is for electrical generation rather than just cooling the data centers.