Data Center Opponents Push Back Against "Superhuman" AI - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights growing opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers in the United States, driven by concerns over soaring electricity consumption, rising utility costs, and environmental impact. Mustafa Suleyman, head of Microsoft’s AI team, acknowledges the superhuman capabilities of AI but emphasizes the need for human-aligned, safe development to prevent uncontrollable risks. Despite AI’s potential benefits, particularly in medicine, the surge in data centers—many powering energy-intensive activities like cryptocurrency, gaming, and adult content—has led to a projected tripling of electricity demand over the next decade. This increase could add 44 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, exacerbating climate change and straining the American insurance market. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, have formed a coalition demanding a national moratorium on new data centers. Their primary concern is not only the environmental footprint but also the steep rise in electricity rates, which have increased by an average of 17% this