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Water

Deputy London mayor Mete Coban.

London Plan will have dedicated data centre policy to address energy and water demands

London deputy mayor for the environment Mete Coban announced plans for the new policy, saying that data centres bring both “big benefits” and “massive challenges .. particularly on energy and water consumption levels”.

Global Switch datacentre seen across water at Canary Wharf, part of Telehouse datacentre visible on its left

Planned growth of data centres in London could undermine mayor’s net zero goals

Between 50 and 60 of around 100 data centres that are planned across the UK, are scheduled to be built in London.

Picture of open palm showing handful of rubber crumb. Caption - 3G football pitches use around 120 tons of rubber crumb, topped up with 300 kg/year

Council ignores health risks in plans for rubber crumb pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Cabinet member Sakina Sheikh presented officer advice on rubber crumb which ignores health risks to players and workers, in her answers at the full council meeting on 28 January.

Telehouse data centre under construction, scaffolding visible, at Canary Wharf. Seen from across Thames.

What are AI datacentres doing to local communities?

The growth in hyperscale data centres is creating intense pressure on energy and water resources around the world. How will it affect us in London?

Roof of data centre showing long rows of cooling towers and backup generators, Arizona.

230+ US environmental groups call for moratorium on new AI data centres

This article by Common Dreams is published here as part of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Football pitch visible behind trees, shrubs and ancient pond at centre of the playing fields.

Calls to scrap plans for crumb rubber football pitch at Whitefoot Lane, Downham

Lewisham council have raised a planning application for a 3G football pitch at the playing fields, which include protected nature conservation areas. But local campaigners are calling for a halt and health impact assessment.

Canada geese flying over the Whitefoot Lane playing fields towards the pond.

Whitefoot Lane, Downham: risk of serious harms to children's health from planned football pitch

Downham GP Dr Helen Tattersfield raises concerns over potential "serious detrimental effects" of microplastics on young players' health, as well as the risks to nature.