AI demands 'through the roof' - are London's new data centres undermining climate goals?
AI's immense compute demands are driving new data centres, clustered in London. How will they affect the capital's climate goals?
Water
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”.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.