News/Environment
4 power-hungry AI data centers spark citizen concerns in Southeast Michigan
At least four massive AI data centers are being proposed across Southeast Michigan, sparking heated community debates about their environmental and economic impacts. The surge comes as Michigan lawmakers recently extended tax breaks for data center projects, positioning the state to capitalize on the AI boom while raising concerns about water usage, energy consumption, and transparency in rural communities. What you should know: These hyperscale data centers require enormous amounts of power and water to operate AI systems and keep them cool. A single AI server can consume more than 10 kilowatts of power, with specialized chips drawing up to...
read Oct 16, 2025Hampton Roads, Virginia tests AI waste sorting to cut landfill use by 50%
The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) in Hampton Roads is implementing an AI and robotics-powered waste sorting facility in Portsmouth that could cut landfill waste by 50%. The facility represents a major pivot for SPSA after losing its primary revenue source when the Navy stopped purchasing steam in 2023 and a catastrophic fire destroyed the Wheelabrator facility. What you should know: The new mixed-waste sorting system uses artificial intelligence and image recognition to identify and remove recyclable and organic materials before they reach landfills. The technology can pull out approximately 50% of materials from the waste stream, extending landfill life...
read Oct 14, 2025Not only you can prevent wildfires: Northern Arizona Univ. study finds AI could automate forestry tasks
A research team from Northern Arizona University has found practical applications for artificial intelligence in forestry management, with AI showing promise for automating tasks and improving forest modeling. The findings could provide a foundation for policy changes and further research as the technology continues to develop in natural resource management. What they're saying: NAU master's graduate Luke Ritter emphasized AI's potential for comprehensive forest management applications. "AI, more specifically to forestry, shows a lot of promise for automating certain tasks. So that could be like paper work types of tasks or it could be data collection," he said. Ritter noted...
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Old school coal relied on as US datacenter power needs surge
US datacenters are increasingly turning to coal power due to rising natural gas prices and surging electricity demand driven by AI workloads. This shift represents a significant reversal for climate goals, as coal generation has increased nearly 20% year-to-date, with Jefferies, a financial services firm, projecting this trend will continue through 2027 as operators race to bring new capacity online during the expected 2026-2028 demand surge. What you should know: The datacenter boom is forcing utilities to extend the life of coal plants they had planned to decommission. In Omaha, one power company reversed plans to stop burning coal, citing...
read Oct 10, 2025Nestlé’s best uses AI to optimize supply chains and cut carbon emissions
Nestlé, the world's largest food company, is deploying artificial intelligence across multiple business operations to optimize demand forecasting, recipe development, and sustainability initiatives. The Swiss multinational is using AI not as experimental technology but as productive systems that deliver measurable results in supply chain management and environmental tracking. What you should know: Nestlé has moved beyond pilot projects to implement AI systems that actively improve business operations and sustainability efforts. The company uses AI to predict container arrival times at ports, create statistical forecasts, and enhance demand planning accuracy. Machine learning models analyze historical research and development data to accelerate...
read Oct 2, 20258-legged robot “Charlotte” builds 2,000 sq ft homes from dirt and waste in 24 hours
Crest Robotics has unveiled Charlotte, an eight-legged spider-inspired construction robot that builds walls layer by layer using locally sourced dirt, sand, and waste materials. The robot combines autonomous navigation with 3D printing technology to construct flood-resistant, fireproof structures, potentially revolutionizing both earthbound construction and future lunar settlement building. How it works: Charlotte operates as an autonomous construction system that maps building sites and adapts to terrain challenges in real-time. The robot's spider-like legs bend and stretch to navigate obstacles, climb over unfinished flooring, and position precisely where each new layer needs to be deposited. Charlotte maps entire construction sites and...
read Sep 29, 2025London-based Vaire Computing’s Ice River chip cuts AI energy use by 30%
Vaire Computing has successfully tested its Ice River chip, which demonstrated a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to standard processors by reusing energy rather than discarding it as heat. The proof-of-concept achievement addresses growing concerns about AI's escalating energy demands, though questions remain about whether hyperscale operators will adopt such technology over their own internal solutions. How it works: Ice River tackles processor inefficiency through two key innovations that fundamentally change how chips handle energy. The chip uses reversible logic gates that allow energy to flow in both directions, enabling calculations to reuse inputs for further operations rather than...
read Sep 26, 2025Cambridge researchers use AI to map hedgehog habitats from satellite data
Cambridge researchers have developed an AI model that identifies bramble patches from satellite imagery to map potential hedgehog habitats across the UK. This innovative approach addresses a critical conservation challenge, as European hedgehog populations have declined by 30-50% over the past decade, and traditional tracking methods are too expensive and labor-intensive for large-scale monitoring. How it works: The AI system combines satellite data with citizen science observations to detect brambles, which serve as essential hedgehog habitats for shelter, nesting, and food sources. The model uses relatively simple machine learning techniques—logistic regression and k-nearest neighbors classification—rather than complex deep learning models...
read Sep 24, 2025AI system invented by Al Gore tracks deadly soot pollution in 2,500 cities
Former Vice President Al Gore has expanded his Climate TRACE system to track deadly soot pollution using satellite technology and artificial intelligence, enabling neighborhood-level monitoring of particle pollution sources across 2,500 cities worldwide. The system can identify 137,095 pollution sources and track their emissions in real-time, potentially saving millions of lives by empowering communities with precise data about local air quality threats. How it works: Gore's coalition deploys an extensive network of 300 satellites, 30,000 ground sensors, and AI algorithms to monitor particle pollution with unprecedented precision. The system tracks 137,095 sources of particle pollution globally, with 3,937 classified as...
read Sep 24, 2025Unreal steel: Finnish sorting company orders 7 more AI robots after successful trial
ZenRobotics, a Finnish AI-powered robotic sorting company, and US Conveyor, a specialist in custom scrap metal recycling systems, have secured a repeat order for seven Heavy Picker robots from one of the largest steel recyclers in the United States. This follows the successful installation of three units for the same customer in 2024, demonstrating growing confidence in robotic solutions as the industry faces increasing demand for high-purity recycled metals and safer working conditions. What you should know: The Heavy Picker robots use AI and advanced robotics to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals with high precision, addressing critical industry challenges. The...
read Sep 23, 2025California bill requires data centers to report water usage, awaits Newsom signature
California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 93, which would require data centers to report their water consumption both before operating and annually thereafter. The legislation, now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, comes as the AI-driven data center boom puts growing pressure on water resources in California and the drought-stricken Southwest. Why this matters: Data centers can consume massive amounts of water for cooling—up to 500,000 gallons per day for a 100-megawatt facility—yet many companies don't currently disclose their usage, making it difficult for communities to plan for water allocation amid ongoing shortages. Key details: The bill requires both new and...
read Sep 23, 2025UN climate chief calls AI a climate “gamechanger” but warns of energy risks
The UN's climate chief says artificial intelligence can be a "gamechanger" in tackling global heating, but governments must regulate the technology to manage its risks and energy demands. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized that while AI offers significant potential for climate solutions, its growing energy requirements from large datacenters require immediate regulatory attention. What you should know: AI is already being deployed across multiple climate applications, from energy system optimization to industrial carbon reduction tools. The UN itself is using AI to support climate diplomacy efforts, demonstrating the technology's versatility in addressing...
read Sep 19, 2025AI data centers use 2.7M gallons of water daily, stressing North Carolina communities
A single AI data center could consume as much water as a small town, with industry estimates showing a 250-megawatt facility using about 2.7 million gallons daily or nearly a billion gallons annually. This massive water demand is raising critical questions for North Carolina communities about resource planning, climate resilience, and whether the economic benefits of data centers justify their environmental costs. What you should know: AI data centers require enormous amounts of water for cooling systems, and unlike other water users, much of this water is lost to evaporation rather than returned to the ecosystem. "It's a meaningful chunk...
read Sep 18, 2025AI comes for the beekeeper with robotic hives that cut colony deaths by 70%
California-based startup Beewise has developed the BeeHome, an AI-powered robotic beehive system that can manage up to 10 traditional hives simultaneously while providing automated care for bee colonies. The technology addresses a critical agricultural crisis, as 40% of bee colonies are collapsing annually due to climate change impacts like stronger hurricanes, wildfires, and increased pesticide use—threatening the pollination of over one-third of crops humans consume. How it works: The BeeHome uses cameras and AI software to monitor individual bees and automatically respond to their needs through robotic interventions. "A robotic beehive is essentially like a traditional beehive. It's completely backwards...
read Sep 18, 2025UCLA scientists use laser light to make AI image generation 90% more energy efficient
UCLA scientists have developed a new AI image generation system that uses laser light as a decoder instead of traditional digital computation, dramatically reducing energy consumption during the inference process. The breakthrough could make AI more sustainable while opening doors for energy-efficient wearable AI devices like smart glasses. How it works: The system combines a shallow digital encoder with a diffractive optical decoder that uses light to generate images instantly.• The heart of the system is a liquid crystal screen called a spatial light modulator (SLM) that imprints image information into a laser beam.• By passing through a second decoding...
read Sep 18, 2025Dairy state data: Microsoft builds world’s most powerful computing hub in Wisconsin
Microsoft has announced plans to launch the Fairwater AI data center in Wisconsin by early 2026, which the company claims will be the "world's most powerful" AI facility. The $3.3 billion project transforms Foxconn's abandoned LCD factory site into a massive computing hub designed to accelerate Microsoft's AI training capabilities while addressing environmental concerns through innovative cooling technology. What you should know: The Fairwater data center represents a massive scale of AI infrastructure housed in repurposed industrial buildings.• The facility spans 1.2 million square feet across three buildings on 315 acres of land, utilizing the site of Foxconn's failed LCD...
read Sep 17, 2025Lizard, brain: University of Florida researchers develop AI that helps trap invasive tegu lizards
University of Florida researchers have developed an AI-powered trap system to capture and remove Argentine black and white tegus, an invasive reptile species threatening Florida's native wildlife. The innovative technology represents a new approach to wildlife management, combining artificial intelligence with conservation efforts to address the growing problem of invasive species in the state. What you should know: The AI-powered tegu trap system uses advanced technology to specifically target Argentine black and white tegus while avoiding harm to native species. The traps are designed to identify and capture tegus, which have become a significant threat to Florida's ecosystem since their...
read Sep 17, 2025Walmart’s 98% automated distribution centers use AI to cut food waste
Walmart has deployed AI-powered distribution centers across multiple states to optimize fresh food inventory management and reduce waste that erodes profit margins. The retail giant's automated facilities use machine learning algorithms to predict demand by analyzing external factors like weather patterns and sporting events, moving beyond traditional sales-based forecasting to create more strategic pricing and inventory decisions. What you should know: Walmart's high-tech distribution centers represent a significant shift from traditional inventory management to AI-driven supply chain optimization. Over the past four years, Walmart has constructed automated grocery distribution centers in California, South Carolina, and Texas that use robotics and...
read Sep 16, 2025US interior secretary says AI arms race matters more than climate change
US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declared that winning the AI arms race is more critical to planetary survival than addressing climate change, arguing that America's AI dominance requires immediate access to abundant energy sources. Speaking at a natural gas industry event in Italy, Burgum dismissed the $5 trillion global investment in renewables as ineffective and too slow to meet AI's unprecedented energy demands. What they're saying: Burgum emphasized the urgency of powering AI infrastructure over climate concerns for future generations. "What's going to save the planet is winning the AI arms race," Burgum stated at the event promoting fossil fuels...
read Sep 11, 2025Pennsylvania’s AI Horizons summit bets big on AI hardware with $20B investment push
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined Senator Dave McCormick and industry leaders at Pittsburgh's second annual AI Horizons summit, where the city is positioning itself to become a global leader in physical AI technology and hardware manufacturing. The event highlighted Pennsylvania's broader strategy to attract AI infrastructure investments and streamline regulations to capture what Shapiro called a "generational change" in economic opportunity. What you should know: Pittsburgh is specifically targeting physical AI technology manufacturing rather than just software development, aiming to produce the hardware that industries worldwide will need as AI integration accelerates. Key investment details: Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania's success in...
read Sep 10, 2025EVs show flexible nature as Nissan helps drive Silicon Valley grid during peak demand
Nissan and ChargeScape have launched a new vehicle-to-grid pilot program in Silicon Valley, where Nissan EVs will export stored battery energy back to the power grid during peak demand periods. The initiative aims to support the region's rapidly growing energy needs driven by AI-powered data centers, while demonstrating how electric vehicles can function as distributed energy resources rather than just transportation tools. How it works: The pilot operates through Nissan's Advanced Technology Center using bidirectional charging technology to manage two-way power flow. Fermata Energy's bidirectional chargers handle the technical aspects of moving energy between EV batteries and the grid. ChargeScape...
read Sep 9, 2025AI reveals African Great Migration has only 533K wildebeest, not 1.3M
A new AI-powered analysis of satellite imagery has revealed that East Africa's Great Migration involves far fewer wildebeest than previously estimated, with researchers counting only 324,000-533,000 animals instead of the widely cited 1.3 million. This finding challenges decades-old population estimates and demonstrates how artificial intelligence can provide more accurate wildlife census data crucial for conservation efforts. What you should know: Princeton University researchers used deep-learning models to analyze thousands of square kilometers of satellite imagery, producing the first comprehensive AI-based count of wildebeest in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Two AI models—U-Net and YOLOv8—were trained on a dataset containing 70,417 manually labeled...
read Sep 9, 2025EPA eases air quality permits to accelerate AI infrastructure buildout
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced changes to the New Source Review program that will allow companies to begin construction on new facilities before obtaining air quality permits, as long as the initial work doesn't involve "emissions units" that release air pollution. The move is designed to accelerate the construction of data centers and power plants needed to support America's artificial intelligence infrastructure, with Zeldin calling the current permitting system "broken." What's changing: The EPA will now permit companies to start certain building activities before receiving full Clean Air Act construction permits. Companies can begin work on elements like installing...
read Sep 8, 2025Getac unveils world’s first rugged Copilot+ PC tablet with 48 TOPS AI power
Getac has unveiled the F120, which it claims to be the world's first fully rugged Copilot+ PC in a tablet form factor, designed to withstand extreme conditions while running advanced AI workloads. The device combines battlefield-grade durability with cutting-edge AI processing power, targeting professionals in industries where equipment failure isn't an option and advanced computing capabilities are increasingly essential. What you should know: The F120 meets Microsoft's strict Copilot+ PC standards while maintaining military-grade ruggedness certifications. Built around Intel's Core Ultra 200V Series processor with an Intel AI Boost NPU (neural processing unit) delivering up to 48 TOPS of AI...
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