The global data center industry is expected to emit approximately 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley. This level of emissions represents about 40% of the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of the United States of America.
Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon are rapidly expanding data centers to support the growing demands of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. While these facilities are key to technological progress, they are also significant consumers of electricity, contributing to global carbon dioxide emissions.
The Morgan Stanley report highlights that growth represents a major opportunity to develop decarbonisation solutions, highlighting the potential for investment in clean energy, energy-efficient technologies and green building materials.
As these companies strive to meet their climate targets by 2030, investment in carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies is expected to grow.
The problem of lack of water
In addition to electricity consumption, there is also the problem of lack of water, because data centers use water to cool servers and network equipment to prevent overheating.
Amazon Web Services is funding six new projects to restore water resources in watersheds under pressure from climate change, population growth and economic activity. During 2023, the company’s water restoration projects returned 3.5 billion liters to local communities through 15 projects. With six new investments announced in Brazil, China, Chile and the US, more than 7 billion liters of water will be reclaimed each year when all projects are completed, Amazon announced.
E2 portal (eCopy)
Source: www.e2.rs
