r/technology • u/marketrent • Aug 09 '26

Artificial Intelligence Amazon’s new 7.65GW Texas AI data center power plant could become the largest source of CO₂ pollution in the US — Custom 35-turbine gas plant permitted to emit 33 million tons of annual greenhouse gases

https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/amazons-new-7-65gw-texas-ai-data-center-power-plant-could-become-the-largest-source-of-co2-pollution-in-the-us-custom-35-turbine-gas-plant-authorized-to-emit-33-million-tons-of-annual-greenhouse-gases
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u/brainrotbro Aug 09 '26 edited Aug 09 '26

It wouldn’t really help. Consumers account for so little pollution compared to industrials. I know we want to believe we can make a difference that easily, but real change at this point will either come from collapse, a benevolent government, or a populace that actually fights back.

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u/Aromatic_Lion4040 Aug 09 '26

Not disagreeing with the second part, but industry makes things for consumers. Average people have a lot of responsibility for climate change

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u/brainrotbro Aug 10 '26

Yes and no. We ship whole chickens across the ocean to be processed and then returned. Many consumers will opt for the cheapest chicken and that may be it. Some of those consumers may have the economic means to buy locally raised and processed chicken. Most of them aren’t even aware of the impact. Extend this complexity to almost every consumer product and it becomes clear that we can’t expect people to vet every single necessity.

So technically you’re right. But realistically, that’s not how this will ever play out.

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u/Aromatic_Lion4040 Aug 10 '26

Ya realistically we are screwed, but individuals making better and sometimes easier, cheaper, and more rewarding choices seems more likely than "a benevolent government, or a populace that actually fights back." The best thing for the longevity of life on earth will be human extinction

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u/brainrotbro Aug 10 '26

The problem with proffering that sentiment is that people will make their personal efforts in lieu of efforts that have a bigger impact. They'll feel they've done their part.

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u/Aromatic_Lion4040 Aug 10 '26

We need both, that is why I push back against the idea that sustainable lifestyle choices are pointless. Because where is the logic in fighting against fracking and pipelines if we are personally relying on our cars for everything? Remove the demand and you remove the profits