

Net0++: Data Center Sprawl | NEW Research from The Maybe
10 snips May 23, 2025
Chris Cameron, a scientist and environmental justice advocate, teams up with Pratham Juneja, a data science PhD candidate, to discuss the global expansion of data centers. They reveal how hidden information often complicates community input and resistance. Their research includes case studies from South Africa and the Netherlands, highlighting environmental concerns and local skepticism about corporate promises. They advocate for transparency and community engagement, aiming to empower vulnerable populations facing corporate encroachment.
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Data Centers Are Everywhere
- Data centers are large facilities that power digital applications like AI and data storage.
- We interact with data centers daily without often realizing their physical impact.
Data Center Project Lifecycle
- Data center projects unfold through planning, construction, and community reaction stages.
- Key aspects include government incentives, environmental impacts, and community resistance strategies.
South Africa Case: Skepticism About Benefits
- The JN1 data center in Johannesburg was built with little transparency and community awareness.
- Local residents were skeptical of job claims amid ongoing water and electricity shortages.