A recent study by the University of California, Riverside, and the think tank Next 10 reveals that health impacts from data center pollution in California tripled between 2019 and 2023. This rapid growth in emissions is largely driven by the massive electricity needs of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. If the state does not implement new environmental policies soon, carbon emissions from these facilities are projected to rise by another 72% by 2028, potentially costing the public $266 million annually in health-related expenses.
The Rising Cost of Digital Growth
As more people use digital tools and AI, the physical buildings that power the internet—data centers—are expanding faster than ever. While these centers help us stay connected, they require a staggering amount of power. In California, electricity consumption by data centers has increased sharply over the last few years. Even though the state has a cleaner power grid than most of the country, the sheer volume of energy needed has caused carbon emissions to nearly double since 2019.
The report highlights a troubling trend: as data centers grow, so does the pollution that affects local communities. This pollution comes from two main sources. First, the power plants that supply the grid must work harder, often relying on natural gas. Second, most data centers keep large diesel generators on-site to provide backup power during emergencies. These generators release nitrogen oxides and fine particulates, which are harmful to human lungs.
Projections for 2028
If current trends continue, the environmental footprint of these facilities will reach new heights by 2028. Researchers estimate that California data centers could soon consume 25.3 terawatt-hours of electricity every year. To put that in perspective, that is enough energy to power 2.4 million typical American homes.
The financial burden of this growth will not just be on utility bills. The air pollution linked to these operations is expected to drive up public health costs significantly. Respiratory issues and other illnesses caused by poor air quality could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars. F. Noel Perry, the founder of Next 10, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “While data centers are the backbone of our modern economy, we can’t overlook the growing environmental and health costs they impose on California communities.”
Water and the Cooling Challenge
Energy is not the only resource under pressure. Data centers generate a lot of heat, and they need a way to stay cool to prevent equipment from breaking. This usually requires vast amounts of water. The report notes a significant increase in water demand for both cooling and electricity generation tied to these operations. In a state like California, where water is often scarce due to droughts, this creates a difficult competition between technology and agriculture or residential needs.
By 2028, the amount of water required to keep these “server farms” running is expected to rise further. Without better technology or stricter rules, the digital world could place a heavy strain on California’s most precious natural resource.
Expert Perspectives and Policy Solutions
Experts believe that the lack of transparency is one of the biggest problems. Currently, data center operators are not always required to report exactly how much energy or water they use. This makes it hard for the government to plan for the future. “The lack of granular, publicly available data makes it difficult for researchers and policymakers to fully understand the scope of the problem,” said Gurinder Shahi, one of the lead researchers from UC Riverside.
To fix these issues, the report offers several clear recommendations:
Switching Backups: Phasing out old diesel backup generators and replacing them with clean energy storage, like large batteries.
Better Reporting: Improving transparency so the state knows exactly how much energy and water each facility uses.
State Standards: Setting new rules for where data centers can be built to ensure they are not too close to crowded neighborhoods.
The researchers argue that California can still be a leader in technology without sacrificing public health. However, it will require a “structural response” to align the growth of AI with the state’s climate goals.
The Tension Between Tech and Health
There is a clear tension between the state’s desire to host the world’s most innovative companies and its commitment to a clean environment. As long as artificial intelligence continues to grow, the demand for data centers will not slow down. The challenge for California leaders is to make sure that the “cloud” doesn’t come with a heavy price for the people living on the ground.
By moving toward cleaner energy and requiring more honesty from tech companies, the state hopes to protect its residents while remaining the center of the digital world.
