Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 2, 2026 ~1 min source read

Wednesday briefing: ​What’s behind the global backlash against datacentres?

This summer, datacentres have become targets of resistance across the world. Ever since the arrival of ChatGPT, big tech has been lobbying for the creation of enormous new facilities.

Wednesday briefing: ​What’s behind the global backlash against datacentres?
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This summer, datacentres have become targets of resistance across the world.

Campaigners argue datacentres drain resources and exacerbate the climate crisis.

Ever since the arrival of ChatGPT, big tech has been lobbying for the creation of enormous new facilities.

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The useful part

This summer, datacentres have become targets of resistance across the world. Ever since the arrival of ChatGPT, big tech has been lobbying for the creation of enormous new facilities. Many governments claim they're essential in any country that wants to cash in on AI.

How it works

  • Campaigners argue datacentres drain resources and exacerbate the climate crisis.
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  • Middle East | The US has launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting counter strikes by Tehran targeting American interests in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq, fuelling concerns about a ⁠wider...

Details worth keeping

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