The recent growth of AI technology has heightened awareness of its environmental effects, notably due to the energy-intensive data centers that consume significant electricity. It is anticipated that, by 2028, these centers in the United States may account for up to 12.0 percent of our total energy consumption, and the water required for cooling would also drastically increase.
A connection between data centers and public health often remains unacknowledged. The energy sources powering these facilities emit detrimental air pollutants, including fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx), both of which are immediate threats that can lead to diseases such as asthma and heart conditions. Unfortunately, discussions around responsible AI development frequently overlook the serious public health repercussions of pollution linked to these systems, often referred to as a “silent killer.”
Globally, ambient air pollution is responsible for an estimated four million premature deaths each year. Fine particulate matter poses a significant health risk and incurs a considerable global financial burden due to pollution costs, which are estimated at $8.1 trillion. Given that pollutants can disperse over vast distances, the proportion of this pollution attributable to AI technology warrants investigation, with research underway from institutions like Caltech and the University of California, Riverside.
The reliance on backup generators at data centers, primarily diesel-powered, further exacerbates emissions, leading to higher NOx levels compared to natural gas plants. In Virginia, emissions from these generators have been reported at significant levels, with potential public health costs reaching approximately $150 million. The adverse effects may intensify if these centers operate at full capacity, particularly during grid failures when multiple generators activate simultaneously.
While efforts to mitigate AI’s environmental impact often focus on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, such measures may inadequately address health repercussions, which could differ regionally. Notably, an exclusive focus on carbon reduction may inadvertently elevate public health costs from other causes. Despite the challenges posed by alternative clean energy sources, strategies that consider health impacts can lead to immediate solutions for AI centers, ultimately enhancing public health while advancing technology.
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