The Take Why is drought-hit Brazil saying yes to AI data centers?
Jul 7, 2025
Laís Martins, a Brazilian journalist from Sao Paulo covering technology for The Intercept Brazil, dives deep into the controversial rise of AI data centers in drought-hit regions. She highlights the struggle of communities like Calcaia, weighing potential job opportunities against severe environmental costs. The discussion addresses the dismal job creation predictions, the immense water consumption, and the Brazilian government's lack of environmental oversight. Laís emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and informed community dialogue in these pivotal decisions.
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AI Centers Demand Water, Brazil Droughts
- AI data centers require huge infrastructure, consuming significant energy and fresh water resources.
- Brazil is eager to host such centers, though its rivers are suffering droughts, creating a conflict of interest.
TikTok’s Data Center Choice in Calcaia
- Calcaia is a hot, coastal Brazilian city affected by droughts and violent conflicts, chosen for a major data center.
- TikTok backs a data center there, attracted by the strategic submarine internet cables in the northeast of Brazil.
Jobs Promise Masks Reality
- Promising jobs and economic development is a key strategy to sell data centers to local communities.
- Many locals and officials are attracted by AI’s hype, despite limited realistic job benefits.