Standing Up to Big Tech: Data Centres, AI and Environmental Justice

We're delighted to be back this autumn with an in-person event exploring the environmental impacts of the rapid growth of AI and data centres.

We're excited to be part of the inaugural Brazen Festival on their 'Clean' day.

We'll hear from three speakers — Kierra Box (Campaigner, Friends of the Earth), Mayra Rodriguez (Research Fellow on AI & Data Science, University of Exeter), and Rory Murphy — exploring the tension between our desire to innovate with AI, the environmental impacts of the data centre infrastructure needed to support this innovation, and the need for greater accountability and responsibility from big tech.

Standing Up to Big Tech: Data Centres, AI and Environmental Justice

AI is driving the development of ever more and ever larger data centres. There are now hundreds across the UK, with hundreds more in the pipeline. These facilities can use significant amounts of water and energy, contribute to air pollution, and raise local temperatures.

But is enough attention being paid to why we need them, how many we need, and what their impacts might be on our communities and environment? And do activists, users, and potential neighbours of data centres have enough access to information about their energy and water use, environmental footprint, and end users?

At Friends of the Earth, we don't think so.

Communities across the UK and around the world are increasingly raising concerns about the impacts of individual data centres and calling for city leaders and national decision-makers to reconsider the pace of data centre development.

This session explores the growing global movement looking at how we can challenge big tech and address the environmental and social impacts associated with data centre expansion.

About Kierra

Kierra has been at Friends of the Earth for more than a decade, working on campaigns around trade and environmental protections. Previously, she worked on social justice campaigns at Citizens Advice and at a number of other third-sector charities supporting community action and youth engagement.

She is also chair of the Trade Justice Movement and GM Freeze, a genetically modified regulation group, and a regular volunteer for Phone Credit for Refugees.

AI for Climate & Health: Opportunity & Responsibility

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly promoted as an enabler for climate and health solutions. However, its rapid adoption often comes with insufficient consideration of the environmental consequences of its use.

This presentation examines both the potential of AI to support climate and health solutions — including applications in evidence synthesis and knowledge translation — and how organisations such as universities can better understand