5 ways data centers endanger their local communities and the country as a whole

Even as they create and enable expansive virtual worlds, data centers are physical buildings in real communities around the nation and the globe.

By: Neha Gour, George Mason University; Ed Maibach, George Mason University, and Luis Ortiz, George Mason University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 1,414

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Neha Gour, George Mason University; Ed Maibach, George Mason University, and Luis Ortiz, George Mason University

Every internet search, streamed video and AI-generated response depends on a data center somewhere. Driven by rapid growth in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cryptocurrency, data centers have become the backbone of the modern digital economy. But though their key role is in enabling virtual and remote experiences, data centers are physical buildings in real communities around the nation …

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