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They\nfound that electricity demand from AI\ndata centers is accelerating rapidly, with\nusage predicted to nearly double or more\nthan triple by 2028. As electricity demand\nincreases, water demand and carbon\nemissions are likely to follow suit. These\nincreases are not only an environmental\nconcern, but also a potential financial\nstrain and public health risk to local\ncommunities where data centers are built.\nThe immense stress put on local power\ngrids can cause utility companies to push\nincreased costs onto everyday consumers\nor increase the risk of blackouts. AI companies may also choose to generate their\nown electricity using on-site gas turbines\nthat release strong air pollutants. These\nproblems have already harmed many\nand will only continue unless there is\nintervention.\n\nWhatever your stance on AI, the\nreport from the LBL makes clear that\nthe current trajectory of the AI industry’s\npower demands is unsustainable and must\nbe addressed. Collaborations with utility\nproviders could increase accountability\nfrom AI companies by holding them\nliable for increased prices or requiring\nthem to invest in clean and renewable\nenergy. Government regulation can also\naddress potential harm by requiring such\ncontracts and strictly enforcing public\nhealth requirements. Additionally, the\nelectricity demand of AI can be reduced\nthrough technological developments like\nimproved algorithms or physical changes\nin the computational infrastructure such\nas optical computing. It is important to\nremember that these avenues exist and\nto advocate for their development and\nimplementation, rather than accept the\nharm that accompanies AI as inevitable.\n\n![BlackburnImageFull.png](https://www.berkeleysciencereview.com/api/uploads/Blackburn_Image_Full_e7cc3deb74.png)\n","image":{"publicURL":"/static/01a5a957d327939696b73dbbbfdad91d/9b64e41f908c29b3f30d49ecc1066119.png"},"authors":[{"id":"6a1b3e1da1914505ee622e73","name":"Albany Blackburn"}],"designers":[{"id":"692fe677a1914505ee622dda","name":"Albany Blackburn"}],"categories":[{"id":"6030b07d7782326a48b058be","title":"Tech & AI"},{"id":"61fdc5cd1e0c2a0a6f3372c1","title":"Science and Society"}],"magazine":{"id":"6a1b3daba1914505ee622e6e","title":"Spring 2026","issue":50}},"recent":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_6a1b7b70a1914505ee622e8a","title":"A quarter-century of BSR","authors":[{"id":"6930d4c5a1914505ee622e05","name":"Eleanor 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