Big Tech’s Growing Use of Data Centers Creates Public Health Costs Valued at $5.4 Billion
Air Pollution from Data Centers Linked to Cancers and Other Health Issues
A recent study by UC Riverside and Caltech has found that the growing use of data centers by Big Tech has resulted in public health costs valued at over $5.4 billion over the past five years. The study highlights the growing impact of building artificial intelligence infrastructure on public health.
Cost of Treating Illnesses
The research estimated that the cost of treating illnesses connected to air pollution from data centers was valued at $1.5 billion in 2023, a 20% increase from the previous year. The overall cost since 2019 was $5.4 billion.
Generative AI Exacerbates the Issue
The issue is set to be exacerbated by the race to develop generative AI, which requires huge computing resources to train and power fast-developing large language models. Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta have forecast AI spending could exceed $320 billion this year, up from $151 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, OpenAI and SoftBank recently unveiled plans for a massive $500 billion US AI infrastructure joint venture called "Stargate".
Company Performance
The study found that Google generated the largest health costs, valued at $2.6 billion over the five years between 2019 and 2023, followed by Microsoft, at $1.6 billion, and Meta, at $1.2 billion. Each company’s associated public health cost rose year-on-year. Amazon was not included in the analysis as it does not release key data needed to model its impact.
Data Centers Cause Pollution
Data centers cause pollution through high electricity use, often sourced from fossil fuels. Back-up generators, needed in case of an outage, are commonly powered by diesel, which also contributes to air pollution. Meanwhile, the waste from the hardware, such as chips, can release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Opportunity for Tech Groups to Reverse the Trend
There is an opportunity for tech groups to reverse the trend of a "growing public health threat" by strategically placing their data centers in less populated locations to have less impact. According to Shaolei Ren, associate professor at UC Riverside, "Unlike carbon emissions, the health impacts caused by a data center in one region cannot be offset by cleaner air elsewhere."
Conclusion
The study highlights the need for Big Tech companies to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the demand for AI continues to grow, it is crucial that the industry adopts more environmentally friendly practices to minimize its impact on public health.
FAQs
Q: What are the main causes of pollution from data centers?
A: High electricity use, often sourced from fossil fuels, and back-up generators powered by diesel are the main causes of pollution from data centers.
Q: What is the total cost of public health costs associated with data centers?
A: The total cost of public health costs associated with data centers is valued at over $5.4 billion over the past five years.
Q: Which companies have the largest health costs?
A: Google, Microsoft, and Meta have the largest health costs, valued at $2.6 billion, $1.6 billion, and $1.2 billion, respectively.
Q: What is the impact of data centers on public health?
A: Data centers have been linked to treating cancers, asthma, and other related issues, resulting in a significant public health burden.
