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• Borderstep expert Dr. Ralph Hintemann on CNN: Data centers and their impact on the local climate

The growing number of data centers, particularly those dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), not only consume large amounts of energy but also have a direct impact on the local climate. A recent study by the University of Cambridge shows that these centers can create “heat islands” and raise land surface temperatures by up to 9 degrees Celsius. The findings were recently picked up and discussed by CNN. Dr. Ralph Hintemann and Simon Hinterholzer from the Borderstep Institute were asked by CNN, as international experts on data centers, to assess the results.

Study: Data Centers as Local Heat Sources

The study analyzed temperature data from the past 20 years and compared it with the locations of large data centers. The result: After a data center went online, the land surface temperature rose by an average of 2 degrees Celsius. And in extreme cases by as much as 9 degrees Celsius. This affects not only the immediate surroundings but also areas within a radius of up to 10 kilometers.

Dr. Hintemann: “Emissions from electricity generation remain the bigger problem”

Speaking on CNN, Dr. Hintemann emphasized that the study provided “interesting figures,” but that the reported effects seemed “very high.” He pointed out that CO₂ emissions resulting from electricity generation for data centers continue to pose the greater challenge for climate protection.

The study shows that we must not ignore the local impacts of data centers. At the same time, we must continue to focus on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions generated by these facilities’ energy consumption. – Dr. Ralph Hintemann

Call for Sustainable Solutions

Against the backdrop of the rapid growth of the AI industry, the study underscores the urgency of developing sustainable solutions for data center operations. Dr. Ralph Hintemann and Simon Hinterholzer argue that the discussion regarding the environmental impact of data centers must be approached holistically.

It’s not just about local heat-related effects, but also about the global climate balance. We need innovative approaches to reduce energy demand and make greater use of renewable energy. – Simon Hinterholzer

Borderstep Institute: Research for Sustainable Digitisation

The Borderstep Institute has been conducting research for years on the environmental and social impacts of digitisation. The inclusion of Dr. Ralph Hintemann and Simon Hinterholzer in the CNN report underscores the international relevance of the institute’s work.

You can read the CNN article Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers here.

Click here to access the Cambridge University study The data heat island effect: quantifying the impact of AI data centers in a warming world.