[World Report] AI data centres raise public health concerns

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Source: The Lancet

Original: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00033-4/fullt...

Published: 2026-01-10

The article describes that the surge in demand for artificial intelligence systems is leading to rapid and extensive construction of data centers. He points out that these data centers can have impacts on public health, for example through high consumption of energy and water and the associated environmental burdens. Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and deterioration of air quality due to the energy requirements of these facilities are mentioned. The article also points to the potential impact of increased water consumption on local water resources, especially in drought-prone areas. It is argued that the planning and regulation of data center construction often lags behind the speed of AI development. Calls are made for public authorities to consider health and environmental risks when permitting such projects. The need for better monitoring of data center impacts and an emphasis on transparency and availability of data on their resource consumption is mentioned.