Campaigners from all corners of Britain are uniting to push back against the unbridled expansion of hyperscale data centres by Big Tech companies. Global Action Plan UK is spearheading a two-day initiative starting on Friday, 27 February 2026, rallying communities and activists nationwide to demand stronger safeguards for our environment in the face of the rapid proliferation of these data behemoths.
Local campaigners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) alarmed by the unchecked growth of hyperscale data centres are orchestrating public events to shed light on the detrimental impacts this infrastructure will have on the environment and their immediate surroundings.
One of the key concerns raised by these campaigners is the immense strain that data centres put on the UK’s finite water and power resources. This strain not only burdens local communities but also hampers essential housing projects and jeopardizes the country’s transition to clean energy by 2030. The British Government has acknowledged a significant oversight in approving a large data centre in Buckinghamshire without adequate environmental protections in place.
Oliver Hayes, the head of campaigns at Global Action Plan, emphasized the peril posed by Big Tech’s relentless construction of hyperscale AI data centres to the UK’s climate goals. He lamented the drowning out of community voices by developers and tech lobbyists who seem to hold sway over the government’s decisions.
Jake Simms, the just transition coordinator at the London Mining Network, drew attention to the global ramifications of the UK’s data centre expansions, highlighting the increased demand for minerals like copper, aluminum, and silicon necessary for hardware production. This surge in demand fuels a mining boom with dire consequences for mining-affected communities worldwide, including water scarcity, ecological devastation, and violence against Indigenous groups.
Leigh Tugwood, co-chair of the Iver Heath Residents Association, stressed the importance of scrutinizing the impacts of data centre developments on local communities, citing the recent Woodlands Park planning controversy. While acknowledging the potential benefits of Information Technology (IT), Tugwood urged for more oversight and scrutiny to prevent adverse effects on communities.
As communities and activists band together to oppose the unbridled expansion of hyperscale data centres, their collective voice grows louder in demanding accountability, transparency, and sustainable practices from Big Tech companies. The fight to protect our environment, safeguard our communities, and uphold our climate commitments continues as these campaigners strive to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
