Die Zeit1 hour agoTech1 min readGermany

The ecological and social challenges of data centers

Claus Leggewie on the massive consumption of space and the ambivalence of the digital infrastructure

Quick Look

The political scientist Claus Leggewie addresses the massive use of space for new data centers in German municipalities.
Despite the high expectations for AI and economic growth, the infrastructure raises ecological and social questions.

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Why It Matters

Cities and municipalities are increasingly releasing large areas of land for the construction of data centers in order to cope with the growing volume of data.

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The political scientist Claus Leggewie is co-editor of the “Blätter für deutsche und internationalpolitik”.

In many cities and towns, areas the size of several football fields are currently being made available for the construction of data centers. These are intended to handle the exponentially growing volume of data from private individuals, companies and authorities, network them worldwide and provide information in seconds. Almost everyone is in favor: the economy dreams of the fountain of youth of artificial intelligence, social democrats hope for jobs, even ecologists sense opportunities for a green economy.

Open Questions

How are the ecological consequences of land use compensated?
What specific impact do the centers have on the local infrastructure?