Here’s a lovely view outside of my back porch this beautiful morning. So what’s on the horizon? Nature is doing its thing as the fall air is crisp, birds are migrating south and leaves begin turning shades of red and yellow. We all need to spend more time being outside and much less time chatting on social media which I must do right now as I’m concerned our views are about to change as well.
I wonder how the horizon might change when I look beyond the trees? I can predict with more certainty what nature will do, even as the climate is changing, than what people will do. We’re quick to adopt new technologies, like artificial intelligence, the internet or nuclear bombs, without considering or preventing the consequences.
Will the adjacent nuclear power plant need to expand to accommodate a proposed 300 megawatt data center? Will our views and air quality be ruined locally by 70 foot tall buildings that emit diesel fumes (for backup power) and nationally require burning more coal around the country? Places where data centers are rapidly growing, like in Northern Virginia, residents complain about many impacts from noise, smells, water usage, and rising costs of electricity for all utility customers.
I’m collecting many sources of information so contact me with a comment below if you’re interested in learning more. For now, I’m going outdoors to enjoy what’s left of this beautiful day!
Update October 4, 2025
Here are some videos discussing data centers:
“I Live 400 Yards from Mark Zuckerberg’s Massive Data Center:” In rural Mansfield, GA southeast of Atlanta, META built 2 million sq. ft. data center. This 13 minute video discusses impacts to a Georgia rural community with doubling utility bills, sediment contamination, bright lights and the rezoning process VIDEO
“We Found the Hidden Cost of Data Centers. It's in Your Electric Bill:” Data centers are driving up utility costs. As companies like Amazon and Meta pour billions into data centers across the country, it’s raising electricity bills. While they’re making record profits, the rest of us are forced to foot the bill. VIDEO
A Grandfather’s Warning: AI Data Centers Are the New Factories of Pollution BLOG
The Unpaid Toll: Quantifying the Public Health Impact of AI
“Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, and Caltech found that data centers nationwide could contribute to 600,000 cases of asthma-related symptoms by 2030, with public health costs exceeding $20 billion. People living near data centers have also complained about constant noise, chemical smells, and worsening asthma, with some noting that the noise runs 24/7 and disrupts their sleep.”
A Harvard University article cites the same article above calling for more research:
“Air pollution is the most acute concern. Fossil-fueled power plants and diesel backup generators that power data centers emit hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, increasing rates of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and elevating cancer risk in nearby communities. A recent model indicates that the U.S. data centers in 2030 could contribute to nearly 1300 deaths annually, resulting in a public health burden of more than $20 billion.”