Data centre backlash grows as AI boom fuels rapid expansion and environmental concerns

Data centres, the warehouse-like facilities powering the AI boom, have grown to about 12,250 globally, up from around 8,000 in 2021. The United States hosts nearly 4,800 sites, nearly 40% of the global total. These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity - more than France's total annual usage - and raise concerns over local air and water resources. Opposition is intensifying worldwide, particularly in the US ahead of the November midterm elections, where both Republicans and Democrats have voiced resistance to new developments.