Data centers could send US climate pollution skyrocketing
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The US power sector could release 42 percent more planet-heating carbon dioxide pollution by 2030 than it did in 2025 as it builds out more fossil fuel infrastructure to meet data center electricity demand, according to a new analysis by the Sierra Club. That would essentially wipe out 15 years of g
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A dimly lit, crowded data center with rows of humming servers and workers diligently managing the infrastructure, with a large digital display showing real-time energy consumption.
Caption: 'Designed to store your memories, this room is maxing out its carbon footprint.'
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
As our digital lives expand, the environmental impact of the infrastructure supporting it becomes increasingly crucial. It's vital for us to consider sustainable solutions and advocate for cleaner energy to ensure that our data centers don't come at the cost of our planet's health.
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Panel 1
A small community center with a bulletin board and a few posters on the wall. The bulletin board has a notice for a local recycling drive and a community energy-saving workshop. JIM (a local community center volunteer, mid-40s, wearing a hoodie with a generic community center logo)
JIM: Hey, folks! Check out this flyer for our energy-saving workshop. We're trying to help everyone lower their bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Setting Detail: Jim is holding a flyer in his hand, which shows various ways to save energy at home.
Panel 2
A community meeting room. The room is filled with people sitting at tables, laptops open, and a large screen showing a presentation about energy efficiency. Jim is standing at the front of the room, pointing at a slide that shows the increase in data center electricity demand.
JIM: Did you know that data centers are one of the fastest-growing sectors for energy use? We need to be aware of that, and figure out how to use our energy more efficiently.
Setting Detail: The room is filled with community members, ranging from young parents to elderly couples, all engaged in the presentation.
Panel 3
A small office or study room in a home, with a pile of paper flyers and a laptop open to a webpage about data centers and energy use. Jim is sitting at a desk, looking at his laptop with a puzzled expression, while holding a cup of coffee and a flyer.
JIM: Wait a minute... if data centers are going to use so much more energy, how can we possibly save enough to make a difference? I mean, I’m just trying to turn off my lights and unplug my phone charger, but...
JIM: ... I guess I’m just a drop in the data center’s ocean, right?
Setting Detail: The laptop screen shows a graph with a steep upward curve, highlighting the growing energy demand from data centers.
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