Americans Express Growing Concern Over Environmental Impact of AI and Data Centers
A new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago reveals a significant increase in American concern regarding the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Approximately 53% of Americans are now 'extremely' or 'very' concerned about AI's environmental footprint, a notable rise from 41% last year. This growing apprehension is largely driven by Democrats, though broader worries about the local effects of data centers, which power AI and cloud computing, are also evident across the political spectrum. Data centers, with thousands already in the U.S. and more planned, consume substantial amounts of electricity and water. While 87% of existing data centers are in urban areas, most new facilities are slated for rural locations, raising concerns about their impact on local resources and communities.
