Data centers and AI bring investment to Latin AmericaCEFR A2
29 Apr 2026
Adapted from Daria Dergacheva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Cristian Soriano, Unsplash
Demand for data centers is growing fast worldwide, about 20 percent a year until 2030, according to UNDP. Tech companies have met many government officials and are promoting new projects in Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Argentina.
Brazil already has many data centers and plans bigger sites. Large projects need lots of energy, water and land. Some communities have protested and stopped projects. Consumer groups say governments should make clearer rules and stronger environmental checks before work can start.
Difficult words
- demand — The amount people want to buy or use.
- data center — A place with many servers and information.data centers
- project — A planned job or activity that needs work.projects
- community — A group of people living in one area.communities
- protest — To show strong dislike or disagreement publicly.protested
- environmental — Connected to nature, land, water and air.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think large projects need lots of energy, water and land?
- Have you heard about data centers in your country? Where are they?
- Should governments make clearer rules for new projects? Why or why not?
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