The environmental impact of data centers

Data centers are the factories that run the internet. We rely on them every day, for things like sending emails, watching videos and uploading photos. Now, even larger data centers, to help power artificial intelligence, are being proposed and built in Wisconsin. Data centers require millions of gallons of water to operate. Some can consume as much energy as a town.

Port Washington residents want to recall the city’s mayor over a 15-billion-dollar Vantage data center that’s under construction. Microsoft is building one in Mount Pleasant.

To learn more about data centers and their environmental impacts, WUWM reporter Eddie Morales is joined by Amy Barrilleaux. She’s the communications director at Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy group.