Rising demand for cloud computing and digital services has led to an explosion in data centre construction, but their energy consumption and carbon footprint are raising alarms. New visual data from the BBC reveals how rapidly these facilities have expanded globally, highlighting their role in powering everything from streaming to online banking. Experts warn that without significant efficiency improvements and sustainable energy adoption, the sector’s growth could further strain climate goals. The analysis underscores the tension between technological progress and environmental responsibility in an increasingly data-driven economy.
Data centres are the lifeblood of our digital world, but there are growing concerns about their environmental impact. The BBC explores their rise in charts.
