‘Race to bottom’: 40 mayors sign global data centre pact to curb ‘unprecedented’ drain on power and water (opens original article in a new tab)

40 mayors have signed a global pact to manage the increasing strain of data centres on energy grids, water supplies, and communities due to surging demand for computing power driven by AI.

• 40 mayors from cities including London, Phoenix, and Melbourne signed a pact to address the strain of data centres on power and water resources
• The Global Urban Data Centres Pact aims to set standards for clean energy use and efficient resource management in data centres
• Data centres are projected to consume 10-20% of Melbourne's power by 2030-2040 and 4% of its water supply annually
• The pact addresses concerns about rapid data centre growth outpacing regulation and causing environmental and community issues