Land use
Coverage of Land use in the Nexus archive.
- 5 ways data centers endanger their local communities and the country as a whole
The article highlights how the rapid growth of data centers, driven by AI, cloud computing, and cryptocurrency, poses environmental and public health risks through air and water pollution, noise, land use changes, and energy costs. U.S. data centers are projected to consume 12% of national electricity by 2028, with Virginia hosting over 600 facilities that already use 26% of the state’s electricity.
- Nevada Republicans to decide on Trump-backed vs. experienced replacement for Rep. Mark Amodei
Nevada Republicans are choosing between James Settelmeyer, a former state senator with political experience, and David Flippo, a Trump-endorsed retired military officer, for the open 2nd District congressional seat. The primary tests voter preference between established politicians and Trump-backed newcomers, with both candidates emphasizing conservative policies and state issues like water and land use.
- Scientists just debunked a 50-year myth about Hawaii’s birds
A study from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa debunks a 50-year myth that Indigenous Hawaiians hunted native waterbirds to extinction. Researchers propose climate change, invasive species, and land use changes are more likely responsible for the birds' decline, with factors predating Polynesian arrival or occurring after traditional stewardship systems were disrupted.