Climate Change Threatens India’s Data Centres as Five States Rank Among World’s Most Exposed: XDI Report

Climate change is emerging as a significant threat to India’s booming digital infrastructure, particularly its rapidly expanding network of data centres, warns a new global analysis by the Cross Dependency Initiative (XDI).

The report identifies five Indian states among the top 100 regions worldwide most exposed to climate risks, including extreme heat, flooding, and severe storms. These climate hazards could potentially cause major disruptions to critical IT infrastructure and lead to financial losses running into billions of dollars if protective measures aren’t taken.

According to XDI, India’s data centre hubs—often located in urban clusters vulnerable to flooding or heatwaves—are increasingly at risk as global temperatures rise and weather events grow more intense. The report emphasizes that structural adaptations and climate-resilient planning can significantly reduce these risks and avert costly damages.

India’s data centre industry is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by rising internet use, cloud services, and government initiatives for digital transformation. However, experts caution that the sector’s dependence on stable environmental conditions and uninterrupted power supply makes it highly sensitive to climate variability.

The findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and private players in India’s IT and data infrastructure sectors to incorporate climate resilience into planning and investments.