29/06/2026
A new study led by the University of Cambridge suggests that the rapid growth of AI-powered data centres may be contributing to rising temperatures in nearby communities.
Using NASA satellite data collected over two decades, researchers analyzed more than 6,000 data centres worldwide. The study found that land surface temperatures around these facilities increased by an average of 2°C after operations began, while some locations experienced temperature rises of up to 9°C. Researchers describe this phenomenon as the "data heat island effect," which could affect more than 340 million people living within a 10-kilometre radius of these sites.
The expansion of artificial intelligence is one of the main reasons behind the growing number of data centres. As AI applications continue to increase, global investment in data centre infrastructure is projected to reach $760 billion in 2026.
Researchers say the findings highlight potential challenges for nearby communities, including higher cooling costs, increased electricity demand, and greater health risks during extreme heat. The study also underscores the importance of improving energy efficiency and developing more sustainable data centre technologies as AI continues to expand.
Source: Marinoni et al., arXiv Preprint (2026), University of Cambridge, Earth Observation Group.
