“One in five data center could fall under the waters”: 22 % of the world infrastructure threatened by cyclones, floods and fires by 2050

Data centers are at the heart of our digital era, but their vulnerability in the face of climatic vagaries arouses strong concerns. A recent study reveals that almost a fifth of these infrastructures could be seriously affected by extreme weather events by 2050. These alarming perspectives raise crucial questions about the sustainability of these data centers. The economic impacts linked to these vulnerabilities could amount to billions of euros, revealing the urgency of a proactive adaptation.

Analysis of the vulnerability of data centers

The researchers carried out an in -depth assessment of 9,000 sites worldwide. Their objective: to determine the resilience of data centers in the face of extreme climatic phenomena. The results of this study, conducted by the XDI office, show that 22% of world data centers are currently exposed to moderate or high climatic risks. This proportion could increase to 27% by 2050. The main threats identified include cyclones, floods and forest fires. These events represent an immediate danger for the physical integrity of infrastructure and their continuous functioning.

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Data centers, often criticized for their energy consumption and their ecological footprint, are thus found at the center of a global environmental problem. Efforts are already underway to improve their sustainability, for example by reusing the heat produced or by considering innovative solutions such as the placement of these centers in space. However, the question of their resilience to extreme climatic conditions remains little discussed, despite its crucial importance.

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The most risky regions

Several geographic areas are particularly vulnerable to climate risks. In Hamburg, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, as well as in Queensland and New Jersey, between 20 and 64% of data centers are exposed to high risks of physical damage. In France, the Grand Est region is also concerned. This geographical distribution of risks obliges governments and businesses to react in a targeted manner. The adaptation of infrastructure and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are essential measures to limit future impacts.

Costs related to these risks could significantly increase if no action is undertaken. Insurance premiums, for example, could be multiplied by three or four by 2050. The issue is therefore double: protecting existing infrastructure and anticipating future needs in a context of increasing demand in data storage and processing.

Climatic threat table

Future perspectives for data centers

In a context of strong growth in data centers demand, especially due to the rise of artificial intelligence, climatic challenges are becoming more and more pressing. The energy needs of data centers should triple by 2035, which could make them responsible for 67% of greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector. This situation could create a vicious circle, where the increase in emissions would worsen climate risks, making data centers even more vulnerable.

The solutions envisaged include massive investments in more resilient infrastructure and the adoption of less energy -consuming technologies. However, experts point out that without a significant reduction in global emissions, structural improvements may not be enough to protect these essential assets. The challenge is therefore immense: how to reconcile technological growth and environmental sustainability?

The data underlined by this study pose crucial questions for the future of data centers and their role in our digital society. While global demand keeps growing, how can businesses and governments ensure the resilience of these infrastructure while respecting environmental imperatives?

This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.

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