Too Much Computer: Ingrid Burrington Discusses “Hyperscale” With Paris Marx

Ingrid Burrington, a writer and artist, recently discussed her book "Hyperscale" with Paris Marx, a journalist and author, in a podcast interview. The conversation centered on the financial forces driving the expansion of data centers, which have become increasingly ubiquitous in recent years.

Burrington's book, "Hyperscale," delves into the social and environmental costs of this expansion, which she argues is largely driven by the pursuit of profit. The data center industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook investing heavily in new facilities to store and process vast amounts of data.

One of the key findings of Burrington's research is that the construction of these data centers is often accompanied by significant environmental degradation, including the use of large amounts of energy and the generation of significant greenhouse gas emissions. The industry's reliance on non-renewable energy sources has contributed to climate change, and the construction of new data centers has only exacerbated this problem.

Burrington also highlights the social costs of the data center industry, including the displacement of local communities and the exploitation of workers. Many data centers are built in rural areas, where local residents are often forced to sell their land to make way for the construction of these facilities.

This has led to the loss of traditional ways of life and the erasure of cultural heritage. The data center industry is also characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability, with companies often failing to disclose the full extent of their environmental and social impacts.

This lack of transparency has made it difficult for regulators and policymakers to develop effective policies to mitigate the negative consequences of the industry. Ingrid Burrington's book "Hyperscale" offers a critical examination of the data center industry and its impact on the environment and society.

Through her research, she sheds light on the hidden costs of this industry and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability.