The Take Another Take: Why is drought-hit Brazil saying ‘yes’ to AI data centers?
9 snips
Jan 10, 2026 Laís Martins, an investigative journalist at The Intercept Brazil, dives into the controversial intersection of AI data centers and water scarcity in drought-stricken Brazil. She reveals how companies' promises of jobs clash with the enormous water and energy demands these centers bring. Laís highlights the TikTok-backed Casa dos Ventos project and questions the long-term benefits for local communities. She advocates for transparency and informed decision-making, stressing the importance of balancing economic opportunity with environmental sustainability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Data Centers Are Water-Intensive
- Data centers for AI demand both massive energy and significant fresh water for cooling, linking computing growth to water stress.
- Laís Martins highlights that every surge in computing use increases water consumption and local strain.
TikTok-Backed Project In Caucaia
- Laís Martins describes a TikTok-backed data center project in Caucaia promoted by a local wind company, Casa dos Ventos.
- The site was chosen for nearby submarine cables and wind power infrastructure, making it strategically attractive.
Jobs Promise Often Overstated
- Promises of jobs and development often drive local support, but the long-term employment from data centers is small.
- Laís Martins notes construction needs many workers but operations require only dozens, not large permanent workforces.