Why Everyone Hates AI Data Centers

About this episode

This episode discusses the backlash against data centers that power the AI boom and explores their environmental, economic, and political impacts.

Data centers are quickly becoming the most polarizing buildings in America. On this episode of Galaxy Brain, Charlie Warzel speaks with the reporter Jael Holzman about the backlash to the buildings powering the AI boom. Why have data centers become controversial? What are the environmental, economic, and political impacts? How does the backlash track along left/right party lines? This episode demystifies the data-center fight. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Charlie Warzel

Guest: Jael Holzman

Topics covered

• data centers
• AI
• environmental impact
• political controversy
• economic implications

Keywords

• data centers
• AI boom
• backlash
• environmental impact
• political controversy
• economic implications

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Atlantic

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