Latest Publications
Greenlink Analytics and Science for Georgia have completed an analysis of data center growth and its potential impact on the Southeastern United States. This report finds that utilities in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are planning for data-center-driven electricity demand growth that has an approximate 0.2% chance of actually occurring. These states are facing a massive proposed expansion of methane gas infrastructure and power plants to support data centers.
Using credible national and global market data on data center growth, Monte Carlo simulations, and compared this with utilities’ projections, Greenlink Analytics and Science for Georgia developed an independent data center load forecast for the Southeast. The analysis demonstrates that utilities are betting on the highly unlikely top end of the range.
On average, households nationally pay about 4.1% of their income on energy (gas and electricity) bills. As of 2019, Gainesville’s average energy burden is 4.5% in 2019, .4% higher than the national average.
However, the energy burden is not distributed evenly across neighborhoods. When energy burden is mapped across the city, data shows that it disproportionately impacts residents in the Northern and Central portions of the city.
Charlotte is currently the 12th most energy burdened city out of the Climate Challenge cities. Across the city, Charlotte's average energy burden is 3.9% as of 2019, 1.08 times the national average. When energy burden is mapped across the city by neighborhood, the data shows that energy burden disproportionately impacts residents in the northern inner portions of the city.
Community of Practice Workshops
The Community of Practice came to a natural close in 2025, though its legacy lives on through an archive of past sessions and a vibrant network of changemakers.
For years, this space brought together community-based leaders and city staff using the GEM platform — all committed to exploring how data and mapping can advance climate equity and environmental justice.
Each month, participants gathered to learn, share resources, and build relationships, fostering collaboration between the communities most harmed by climate change and local governments working towards equitable climate and energy solutions.
While the regular gatherings have ended, the connections, momentum, and shared purpose continue. We invite you to stay connected. Watch past recordings, explore our GEM Process Guide (below), and continue asking questions, sharing insights, and building together. And don’t hesitate reaching out to us.
We are never alone in this work.
Warmly,
Greenlink Analytics Community Team
Connecting Health Disparities with Climate Change
August 6, 2021
Catherine Lee, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
How can you use GEM to examine local data on these issues? What types of solutions best address climate change, energy burden, and asthma together? Watch this Community of Practice webinar to learn more!