Majority of datacenters are vulnerable to climate threats like floods and fires, study finds
A new study by First Street reveals that nearly 80% of global datacenters are vulnerable to climate-related hazards like floods, fires, and extreme heat. The report warns that these risks threaten operational continuity and increase long-term insurance and repair costs.
Why it matters
As AI infrastructure expands, the physical vulnerability of datacenters to climate change poses a significant risk to the global digital economy.
A datacenter in Ashburn, Virginia, on 31 May 2026. Photograph: Lexi Critchett/Bloomberg via Getty Images View image in fullscreen A datacenter in Ashburn, Virginia, on 31 May 2026. Photograph: Lexi Critchett/Bloomberg via Getty Images Democracy, climate and justice Datacenters Majority of datacenters are vulnerable to climate threats like floods and fires, study finds Study warns AI datacenters are vulnerable to the climate hazards that their global greenhouse gas emissions bolster
The article reports on scientific research findings regarding climate risk without political bias.
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