Amazon Commits $1 Billion to Mitigate Data Center Backlash
Amazon plans to invest $1 billion in communities surrounding its data centers over the next five years. The funds will be allocated towards free community college and workforce training for residents, as well as energy efficiency upgrades.
The company's AWS CEO, Matt Garman, acknowledged concerns about data centers' impact on energy costs and the environment. He argued that some of these concerns are misinformed, citing allegations that data centers take all water or drive up electricity rates as false or misleading.
Amazon aims to make its data centers 'water positive' by 2030, meaning they would return more water to the system than they use. The company will also publish annual information about water usage and efficiency, as well as energy usage and efficiency.