2024-11-29 11:00:00
“Aragon continues to progress to become the Virginia of southern Europe. » On October 14, Jorge azcon, president of the regional government of Aragon, did not hesitate to compare the autonomous community of northern Spain with the US state where most of the data centers are concentrated. He had just announced the plan of the American investment fund Blackstone to invest 7.5 billion euros, through its subsidiary QTS data Centers, in the construction of a large digital data storage infrastructure in the municipality of Calatorao, near zaragoza.
covering 224 hectares,this center is expected to create 1,400 jobs during its first phase of growth. “Aragon has the talent, an enviable geographical position to produce clean energy, natural resources, industrial land in large quantities and at a very competitive price, and can count on unalterable social peace”Azcon boasted on Oct. 14, estimating that the data center industry could led to 2% growth in gross domestic product each year for the next quarter-century. Provided,however,that “multiply investments in the electricity distribution network”became “a funnel”he added.
In May, Amazon Web Services (AWS) made headlines by promising 15.7 billion euros in investment over the next ten years and the creation of 6,800 jobs to develop its three data centers in Aragon, sites to which it would add a new infrastructure of the same type in Zaragoza. AWS General Manager for Spain and Portugal, Suzana Curic, described this data campus as “strategic, not only for Spain, but for southern Europe”.
Many advantages
Three months earlier, in february, another American tech giant, microsoft, revealed a 6 billion euro investment plan to expand its three data centers in Madrid and build three new ones on a vast data campus in Aragón. Other lesser-known companies also have thier own projects, such as Box2Bit, of the Capital Energy group, which involves an investment of 3.4 billion euros in Cariñena, announced in June and confirmed at the end of October. Over the past six months,Spain has attracted nearly 34 billion euros in promised data center investments.
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What are the most pressing climate trends for 2024 according to Dr. Lisa Tran?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Dr. Lisa Tran
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lisa Tran! Its a pleasure to have you with us today. As we approach 2024, climate change remains one of the most pressing issues on the global agenda. Can you share your insights into the most significant climate trends we shoudl be aware of?
Dr. Lisa Tran: Thank you for having me! Indeed, as we move into 2024, we’re seeing some alarming trends. One of the most significant is the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.From wildfires in North America to flooding in parts of Europe and Asia, these events are becoming more commonplace, indicating a clear link between climate change and weather patterns.
Time.news Editor: That’s certainly concerning. With these changes, how do you see governments and organizations adapting their policies or strategies to combat the effects of climate change?
Dr. Lisa Tran: Ther’s a growing recognition among policymakers that traditional strategies are no longer sufficient. Many governments are committing to enterprising climate targets, such as net-zero emissions by 2050. We’re also seeing a push for renewable energy investments and more sustainable agricultural practices. However, the challenge lies in implementation and ensuring these policies translate into action on the ground.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of implementation, what role do you believe technology will play in these climate efforts?
Dr. Lisa Tran: Technology is absolutely crucial. Innovations such as carbon capture and storage, more efficient renewable energy systems, and even advancements in electric vehicles can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, digital tools can help with data collection and analysis, allowing us to monitor climate impacts and respond more effectively.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a lot of potential there. But with all of these necessary changes, how do we engage the general public to take action alongside governments and tech companies?
Dr. Lisa Tran: Public engagement is key! Awareness and education about climate issues can empower individuals to make changes in their own lives. Grassroots movements and community initiatives, like local clean-ups or sustainability workshops, have proven effective in rallying people. Social media also plays a vital role in spreading awareness and fostering a sense of collective obligation.
Time.news Editor: Those are some excellent points. What do you think are the biggest challenges we face in the upcoming year regarding climate action?
Dr. Lisa Tran: One of the biggest challenges is political will. There’s frequently enough a disconnect between what’s needed and what’s politically feasible. Additionally, funding is a major hurdle—many of the necessary investments in green technology and infrastructure require ample upfront costs. Lastly, climate justice cannot be overlooked; we must ensure that our strategies are equitable and consider the impacts on the most vulnerable communities.
Time.news Editor: Climate justice is indeed a critical issue. As we wrap up, could you share a message of hope for our audience regarding climate change?
Dr. Lisa Tran: Absolutely! While the challenges are daunting, there’s also a tremendous amount of innovation and commitment happening worldwide. Young people today are more engaged than ever, and there’s a growing movement for sustainable practices across industries. If we all work together—scientists, policymakers, businesses, and the public—we can create significant progress and foster a healthier planet for future generations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tran, for your insights and optimism! It’s clear that while the road ahead is challenging, there’s hope for positive change. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Lisa Tran: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going!