As tech companies continue to expand their AI infrastructure globally, communities in vulnerable regions are facing increasing challenges. Microsoft’s recent data center in central Mexico has become a focal point of these concerns. Local residents have reported a significant rise in power outages and prolonged water shortages since the facility’s opening.
The impact on daily life has been stark. Power cuts, which were previously occasional, have become more frequent, affecting both residential and commercial activities. Water shortages, once lasting days, have now stretched for weeks, exacerbating existing challenges in the region. Community leaders and environmental activists are calling for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies operating in these areas.
Experts warn that the expansion of data centers for AI development may have broader implications. These facilities require massive amounts of energy, often sourced from non-renewable resources, which could contribute to environmental degradation. The situation in Mexico highlights a growing tension between technological advancement and its socio-environmental consequences.