Extinction Rebellion activists vandalized a Microsoft data center construction site in Amsterdam with corrosive balloons, protesting AI's environmental impact and resource consumption. This action highlights increasing public backlash against data centers, which also face lawsuits and land disputes in the United States.
Luxury giant LVMH faced criticism after its Louis Vuitton brand erected a colossal artificial waterfall for Paris Fashion Week during a record heatwave. The display at Cité Universitaire drew backlash over water usage and public space privatization, despite LVMH's claim of a closed-loop system, highlighting wealth disparity and environmental concerns.
Google plans to replenish more water than its data centers consume by 2030 through investments in 165 stewardship projects across 97 watersheds, aiming to replenish 19 billion gallons annually. This initiative addresses public concerns about data center water usage, especially for AI features.
OpenAI is hiring a 'community engagement lead' to address local opposition to its massive Stargate data centers in states like Texas and Michigan, focusing on water usage, electricity, and quality of life concerns.
A data center in Georgia has been found to have used nearly 30 million gallons of water without paying for it, highlighting the need for updated water systems to monitor usage
