Rising concerns over AI-driven data centers’ environmental footprint now extend beyond energy and water consumption, as the industry grapples with a lesser-known but growing issue: the widespread use of "forever chemicals." These persistent pollutants, often found in fire suppression systems and other data center materials, pose long-term risks to water supplies and ecosystems. With public scrutiny intensifying over tech infrastructure’s ecological toll, experts warn that unchecked chemical use could further strain efforts to green the digital revolution. The challenge highlights how even sustainable data center designs may overlook hidden environmental trade-offs.
{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Forever chemicals could be another data center impact As AI data centers face intense public pushback over issues including their electricity and water use, another potential environmental impact is percolating: the proliferation of forever chemicals. © Spencer Platt, Getty Images Data centers can use these...
