Data centers cause significant harm to the environment and human health: new research

Recent studies have confirmed that the harm caused by data centers to health and the environment far outweighs the economic benefits. Last year, the damage caused by data centers cost the U.S. nearly $25 billion.

Assessment of data center investments and the extent of damage

In 2025, approximately $47 billion was invested in North American data centers. Many tech giants took out substantial loans to implement their large-scale projects. As investment and financing for data centers increase, so does their impact on the environment and the health of residents.

A researcher from Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the operations of 2,800 data centers and their pollution levels. Nicholas Muller concluded that the damage caused by data centers in 2025 amounts to approximately $25 billion. The scientist estimates the economic damage based on the potential number of premature deaths. Inhaled particulate matter directly affects public health and can increase the risk of premature death among the local population.

Many other companies around the world are also researching the negative impact of data centers. For example, the Piedmont Environmental Council commissioned a study on greenhouse gas emissions, the results of which showed that a single data center can harm human health and that the annual cost of damage can range from $53 million to $99 million.

Expected revenue for regional and local budgets is negligible due to generous tax breaks for data center developers. Some states are already losing more than $100 million a year due to these incentives.

Mueller believes that environmental costs associated with data centers will rise in the near future and could increase by 85%.

Hope you found this article helpful - what do you think? Like and subscribe to our blog to get more practical tips and the latest tech news from HostZealot.