This is part of Chile’s plan to diversify its economy and become a regional digital hub. However, local communities are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of data centres’ significant water use, particularly as a 14-year megadrought continues to increase water stress in much of Chile.
Chile’s existing system of water governance prevents the kind of wide-ranging action necessary to improve the situation.
Overexploitation of water resources will increase the risk of wildfires such as those which killed more than 130 people in February.
Increased contamination of water sources will add to ecological damage and biodiversity loss.
Data centres add to carbon emissions, which could complicate Chile’s efforts to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
