Data centre debate heats up ahead of US midterms - here's what you need to know
The rapid expansion of data centers to support AI and digital services has become a contentious issue in the US midterm elections. Both political parties are facing pressure regarding the environmental impact and electricity consumption of these facilities.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of technological infrastructure growth, environmental policy, and political campaigning.
Data centre debate heats up ahead of US midterms - here's what you need to know
By Daniel Thomas and the Visual Journalism Team Until a few years ago many of us may have been blissfully unaware of what a data centre was.
These giant, warehouse-like buildings power virtually all our internet activity, from our web searches and emails to movie downloads and online banking.
They are at the heart of the AI boom, housing the advanced computer chips and servers needed to run services like ChatGPT and Claude.
But the speed at which they're growing, the enormous amount of electricity they consume and concerns about their environmental impact are fuelling a public backlash around the world.
In the US, they've become a huge issue ahead of the midterm elections on 3 November, with both Republicans and opposition Democrats coming out against their development.
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