AI-powered data centres generate such intense heat that they can raise nearby land surface temperatures by several degrees, creating what are known as “data centre heat islands.” These effects may already be impacting as many as 340 million people worldwide.

Figure 1. AI Data Centers May Boost Local Temperatures by Up to 9.1°C.

The global number of data centres is expected to grow rapidly. Real estate firm JLL predicts that total data centre capacity will double between 2025 and 2030, with artificial intelligence driving roughly half of that increase. Figure 1 shows AI Data Centers May Boost Local Temperatures by Up to 9.1°C.

Recognizing the rising energy demands, Andrea Marinoni of the University of Cambridge and his team noted that data centre power consumption has been steadily climbing and could surge dramatically in the near future. They set out to measure the environmental impact of this growing demand.

The Rise of AI Data Centers

AI technologies require massive computing power, leading to a rapid expansion of data centers worldwide. These facilities run continuously, processing huge amounts of data and consuming enormous amounts of electricity.

Why Data Centers Produce So Much Heat

Servers and computing hardware generate heat as a byproduct of energy use. To prevent overheating, data centers use cooling systems—but even with these systems, a significant amount of heat is released into the surrounding environment.

What Are “Heat Islands”?

When large amounts of heat are concentrated in one area, they create “heat islands,” where local temperatures are noticeably higher than surrounding regions. Data centers can contribute to this effect, similar to urban heat islands in cities.

Temperature Increase up to 9.1°C

Studies suggest that in extreme cases, data centers can raise nearby surface temperatures by as much as 9.1°C. This can affect local climates, ecosystems, and even human comfort and health in nearby communities.

Future Impact and Concerns

With data center capacity expected to double by 2030—driven heavily by AI—the heat impact could intensify. This raises concerns about sustainability, energy efficiency, and the need for greener cooling technologies and smarter infrastructure planning.

Source: New Scientist

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2026), AI Data Centers Could Raise Nearby Temperatures by Up to 9.1°C, AnaTechMaz, pp.188