As data centers expand, experts warn of rising heat and air quality concerns

As data centers continue to expand, urban climate experts are raising concerns about their potential environmental impact beyond economic benefits. Matei Georgescu, an urban climate expert at Arizona State University, highlights that large data center developments contribute to the "heat island" effect, causing nearby temperatures to be one to three degrees warmer. This heat emanates from both the buildings and the energy consumption required for operation, potentially leading to increased air conditioning costs for residents. Further research at the University of Oklahoma, reviewed by senior research scientist Xiao-Ming Hu at the National Weather Center, explores the link between data center electricity demand and air quality. Modeling and satellite data have identified pollution hotspots near power plants, particularly around Tulsa, with emissions potentially drifting across Oklahoma, including into Oklahoma City. Experts warn that the combined effect of higher temperatures and air pollution poses increased health risks for communities, a concern that will likely grow as more data centers are constructed. The findings discussed by Hu are currently undergoing peer review.