The French Agency for Ecological Transition has released two critical studies highlighting the environmental impact of data centers and the increasing demand for metals in the digital sector. Digital activities account for 2.5% of France’s carbon footprint, with data centers alone representing 16% of this figure. The studies warn of rising electricity consumption and the looming scarcity of essential metals, largely sourced from countries like China. Recommendations include placing new data centers in urban wastelands and improving recycling processes to mitigate ecological damage in a rapidly digitizing world.

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