Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
AI Power Shock
Artificial intelligence may appear to operate in an invisible digital world, but every AI request depends on massive data centers that consume enormous amounts of electricity. AI Power Shock examines how the rapid expansion of AI is increasing pressure on power plants, transmission systems, substations, and household utility rates.
The book investigates whether ordinary customers could be forced to pay for expensive infrastructure built primarily for large technology corporations. It also explains the difference between corporate clean-energy promises and the electricity that actually powers data centers throughout the day.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
Thirsty Machines
Artificial intelligence requires more than electricity. The powerful computers supporting AI produce tremendous heat, forcing many data centers to consume large quantities of water for cooling. Thirsty Machines reveals how this industrial demand could affect communities already facing drought, declining groundwater, and rising water costs.
The book explains water withdrawal, consumption, discharge, evaporative cooling, reclaimed water, and the hidden water used to generate electricity. It focuses particular attention on California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and other water-stressed areas of the American West.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
The Pollution Behind the Cloud
Behind digital services are industrial cooling systems, transformers, diesel generators, and other machines operating near homes, schools, and working-class communities. The Pollution Behind the Cloud investigates the health and environmental burdens hidden behind the walls of data-center campuses.
The book examines diesel exhaust, particulate pollution, nitrogen oxides, generator testing, continuous mechanical noise, and low-frequency sound. It explains why examining one pollution source at a time can conceal the cumulative burden experienced by communities already surrounded by highways, warehouses, and industrial facilities.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
The Public Pays
Behind digital services are industrial cooling systems, transformers, diesel generators, and other machines operating near homes, schools, and working-class communities. The Pollution Behind the Cloud investigates the health and environmental burdens hidden behind the walls of data-center campuses.
The book examines diesel exhaust, particulate pollution, nitrogen oxides, generator testing, continuous mechanical noise, and low-frequency sound. It explains why examining one pollution source at a time can conceal the cumulative burden experienced by communities already surrounded by highways, warehouses, and industrial facilities.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
The Silicon Footprint
The environmental cost of artificial intelligence begins long before a server is installed inside a data center. AI hardware depends on copper, aluminum, steel, silicon, batteries, specialty metals, semiconductor factories, international transportation, and human labor. The Silicon Footprint follows this hidden supply chain from mines and factories to server rooms and electronic-waste facilities.
The book examines the energy, water, pollution, and working conditions connected with manufacturing advanced computer equipment. It also investigates the rapid replacement of functioning servers as technology companies compete to install faster processors and more powerful artificial-intelligence systems.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
Community Power in the Age of AI
Communities are often asked to approve enormous data-center projects without receiving enough information about electricity, water, pollution, noise, taxes, employment, or long-term financial risk. Community Power in the Age of AI gives residents and local leaders a practical method for investigating these projects and demanding enforceable protections.
The book explains how to identify decision-makers, obtain public records, evaluate technical claims, separate forecasts from binding commitments, prepare effective public comments, and demand measurable permit conditions. It also includes guidance for protecting utility customers and monitoring operations.…
Armando Oscar Olmos And Maria Teresa Zambrano Rivera
Community Power in the Age of AI
Communities are often asked to approve enormous data-center projects without receiving enough information about electricity, water, pollution, noise, taxes, employment, or long-term financial risk. Community Power in the Age of AI gives residents and local leaders a practical method for investigating these projects and demanding enforceable protections.
The book explains how to identify decision-makers, obtain public records, evaluate technical claims, separate forecasts from binding commitments, prepare effective public comments, and demand measurable permit conditions. It also includes guidance for protecting utility customers and monitoring operations.…