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Study Finds Rerouting Ships to Avoid Whale Sharks Has Little Cost

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Science Desk

In Short: The study found that rerouting ships to avoid whale sharks has little cost, indicating that such measures are economically feasible.

The study found that rerouting ships to avoid whale sharks has little cost, indicating that such measures are economically feasible.

According to the CBS News report, the cost of energy infrastructure for data centers increased from $2 billion in 2020 to $34.2 billion in 2025, with data centers responsible for $8.25 billion of those costs.

The CBS News study also highlighted that residents in rural and lower-income areas faced energy cost increases of up to 76%, compared to urban residents.

Researchers emphasized the need for science-based evidence to help stakeholders understand the economic implications of data centers and whale shark conservation efforts.

The study pointed out a 'paradoxical mismatch' where states with the highest energy cost increases, such as West Virginia and Ohio, reported the lowest use of generative AI.

The CBS News report noted that antiquated formulas for allocating energy costs historically divided costs based on previous consumption, rather than new growth.

The financial loads triggered by data centers often extend to suburban and rural areas due to policies governing how energy costs are shared across regions.

The whale shark study, however, found that rerouting ships to avoid whale sharks has minimal financial impact, suggesting that such measures are economically viable.

The researchers behind the whale shark study aim to provide concrete data to help policymakers, companies, and communities make informed decisions about balancing benefits and costs.

The whale shark study's findings suggest that rerouting ships to avoid whale sharks is a cost-effective measure that can be implemented without significant economic strain.

A news rewrite is not the researchers' measurement.

What this adds

The whale shark study's findings contrast sharply with the CBS News report on data centers, which highlights the disproportionate economic impact of energy infrastructure costs on rural and lower-income areas.

The whale shark study does not address the broader economic implications of energy infrastructure costs, focusing instead on the specific cost of rerouting ships.

The CBS News study does not discuss whale shark conservation measures or their economic impact.

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