Data centers have become pivotal to the functioning of the modern digital economy. The complex networks of servers and storage systems they house enable everything from cloud computing and enterprise services to streaming entertainment and global communications, making them essential to almost every interaction in the digital landscape.
However, traditional data centers are substantial energy consumers, accounting for about 1-1.5% of global electricity usage. This significant demand is driven by the need to power servers and maintain efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating. Such extensive energy use results in considerable carbon emissions—particularly in regions reliant on fossil fuels—posing major environmental challenges by contributing significantly to climate change.
Additionally, these facilities have a considerable environmental impact through their extensive use of water for cooling and the rapid obsolescence of hardware, which results in a continuous cycle of electronic waste. This e-waste, often difficult to recycle, contains hazardous materials that pose further risks to the environment if not properly managed.
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