This week’s stories are about tech, sustainability and data centers, coming from the UK and the USA

Skilled labor shortage threatens U.S. semiconductor expansion

A nationwide shortage of skilled workers could slow the construction of new semiconductor manufacturing plants across the United States and limit future chip production unless industry and government take additional steps to strengthen the workforce, according to a report.

The study, conducted by McKinsey & Co., semiconductor industry association (SEMI) and the National Science Foundation, projects the U.S. could face a shortage of up to 157,000 full-time skilled workers by 2030. The gap is expected to be most severe in Texas, Arizona, California, New York and Ohio, where major chip manufacturing projects are underway or planned.

The report warns that labor shortages could hinder large-scale investments announced by leading chipmakers, including TSMC’s plans to invest up to an estimated $265 billion in chip fabrication and packaging facilities in Arizona. Other projects that could be affected include Micron Technology’s proposed $100 billion memory chip expansion in New York, Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor plant in Texas and Intel’s $28 billion manufacturing project in Ohio as production ramps up.

The report comes as the technology sector experiences contrasting labor trends. While semiconductor manufacturers are struggling to recruit qualified workers, artificial intelligence-related restructuring has contributed to layoffs elsewhere in the technology industry.

According to the report, manufacturing positions are expected to account for about 74% of unfilled semiconductor jobs by 2030, while engineering roles will represent roughly 60% of the shortage.

Nearly three-quarters of semiconductor employers surveyed said they face significant challenges recruiting engineers. The report noted that only about 3% of U.S. engineering graduates enter the semiconductor industry, with many choosing higher-paying careers in software development and AI.

Skilled labor shortage threatens U.S. semiconductor expansion

Global coalition of mayors seeks stricter rules for AI data centers

A coalition of 40 mayors from cities across four continents has agreed on a set of principles aimed at regulating the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, arguing that the facilities are placing growing pressure on electricity grids, water supplies and urban land.

The agreement was unveiled during London Climate Action Week by C40 Cities, a network of nearly 100 cities focused on climate action. It marks the first coordinated effort by city governments worldwide to establish common expectations for AI-related data center developments before demand accelerates further.

Under the pact, participating cities say future data centers should rely on renewable energy, minimize water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be built on vacant or underused land whenever possible. The guidelines also call for operators to invest in local infrastructure, create jobs, purchase goods and services locally and engage with surrounding communities.

According to C40, roughly 1,700 data centers already operate across its member cities, with development expected to increase by more than 40% in 50 of those municipalities. (By the way I have a story here about Turkey’s grid investments)

The initiative emerged after officials in Phoenix and Melbourne found they were facing similar challenges as large-scale AI investments increased demand for electricity and water while competing with housing projects for available land.

About half of the agreement’s signatories are U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Seattle, Chicago, Miami and Palo Alto. The coalition also includes cities from Europe, Canada, Africa, India, Australia and Lebanon.

No cities from Southeast Asia joined the initiative, despite the region’s rapidly expanding data center industry. C40 said some cities cited national policy constraints or other challenges, although discussions with local authorities are continuing.

Global coalition of mayors seeks stricter rules for AI data centers

Full U.S. transition to zero-emission vehicles could prevent 108,000 deaths

A nationwide shift to zero-emission vehicles could prevent more than 108,000 premature deaths in the United States by 2050 by significantly reducing air pollution from road transportation, according to a new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

The report found that transportation-related air pollution currently contributes to more than 41,800 premature deaths annually in the United States, while globally it was linked to nearly 700,000 premature deaths and about 250,000 new pediatric asthma cases in 2024.

According to the study, widespread adoption of electric vehicles could prevent approximately 108,400 premature deaths and 42,100 new childhood asthma cases in the United States by mid-century.

The analysis examined emissions from passenger cars, commercial trucks, buses and two- and three-wheel vehicles, measuring pollutants including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Exposure to these pollutants has been associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke and other serious health conditions.

The study found that heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles remain a major source of transportation pollution despite representing only a small share of vehicles on the road. Although they account for roughly 5% of the vehicle fleet, heavy trucks and buses produce 60% of tailpipe nitrogen oxide emissions, 55% of fine particulate emissions and 65% of sulfur dioxide emissions from road transport.

The report noted that adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles continues to trail passenger vehicles, although the market is expanding. Battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks accounted for about 4% of new heavy-duty vehicle sales in the second half of 2025, bringing the nationwide fleet to more than 72,000 vehicles by the end of the year.

Full U.S. transition to zero-emission vehicles could prevent 108,000 deaths