The surge in artificial intelligence has led to a significant increase in the use of graphics processing units (GPUs), which are now central to data centers worldwide. While these chips are essential for powering AI advancements, their production and operation raise serious environmental concerns, including high water and energy consumption, air pollution, and e-waste issues.
As the U.S. expands its data center infrastructure, communities are facing the consequences of these facilities, which often exacerbate existing environmental injustices. The debate continues over whether the potential benefits of AI justify the environmental costs associated with GPU technology.