Living in regions such as Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Africa, and Mexico, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of drought and the stress on our precious water resources. It is deeply concerning to see data centers being constructed in these areas, considering they consume hundreds of thousands to millions of gallons of water daily. This water, including freshwater, is used primarily to cool down the facilities and then evaporates, becoming non-reusable. The impact of these constructions not only strains our already limited water supply but also undermines efforts to conserve and responsibly manage resources in drought-prone areas.

Moreover, the electricity consumption of these data centers adds another layer of complexity and concern. Some facilities are reported to use as much as 1 gigawatt of power, equivalent to the electricity needs of more than 800,000 homes. This surge in power demand is exacerbated by outdated policies from power grid operators who have not adapted to the evolving energy market, including the unique challenges posed by data centers.

Research indicates that there are alternatives allowing data centers to operate more sustainably. Options include investing in advanced cooling technologies that use less water, such as liquid immersion cooling, and situating new constructions in regions with more abundant water resources. Additionally, implementing renewable energy sources for power supply can significantly mitigate the environmental impact.

I urge policymakers and stakeholders involved in the planning and operation of data centers to consider these sustainable solutions. Given the increasing frequency of droughts and the escalating demand on energy grids, it is imperative for our governments to rethink where and how these facilities are built.

If we want to safeguard the future of our water and energy resources for generations to come, we must call for immediate action. Stopping the construction of data centers in drought-prone regions is not just an environmental necessity but a moral imperative.

Please sign this petition to demand that data centers be built in a sustainable manner that does not compromise the ecological balance of already vulnerable regions.