In his case study “The Cloud Is Material,” anthropologist Steven Gonzalez Monserrate delves into the environmental impacts data storage has on our world. He takes us inside data centers, revealing the hidden infrastructure that powers our digital lives. From the challenges of cooling systems and water consumption to the overwhelming carbon footprint of the Cloud, Monserrate provides a comprehensive look at the ecological costs of modern computing. Beyond the physical effects, he highlights the lesser-known issue of noise pollution caused by data centers, shedding light on the mental and physical health consequences for those living near these facilities.
https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-staggering-ecological-impacts-of-computation-and-the-cloud/