The Ezra Klein Show: The A.I. Revolt Is Here

Jasmine Sun, a reporter who recently embarked on a fascinating reporting trip across the Midwest, joined Ezra Klein to discuss her findings on the growing opposition to AI data centers. Sun's work, which included interviews with residents, local officials, and industry representatives, sheds light on the complex reasons behind this widespread discontent, ranging from environmental concerns to a deep-seated distrust of large tech corporations.

The Aesthetics and Sounds of Data Centers

Sun began by describing the physical presence of data centers, particularly in the rural landscapes of Wisconsin and Michigan. She noted the stark contrast between the "incredibly lush, incredibly green" natural environment and the "extremely large, flat warehouse" appearance of these facilities. "Data centers are very ugly," Sun stated, emphasizing that she hadn't fully appreciated this until standing in front of them. She recounted how residents would time how long it took to drive past a data center on the highway, noting it could take over a minute and 40 seconds due to their massive size. These "hyperscale data centers are huge, they are massive," she explained, highlighting that the aesthetic impact is a significant concern for local communities.

Beyond their visual impact, data centers also have a distinct auditory presence. Sun described the sounds as "humming, buzzing, whirring," with an occasional "rattling." Residents living near these facilities reported that the noise is not only annoying but "debilitating." Sun explained that because data centers are windowless and have few human workers inside, the sounds are primarily mechanical, leading many to describe them as "inhumane."