Green Tech South West

Data centre dilemmas: unpacking AI's social & environmental impacts

Wed, Nov 11 · 6:00 PM GMT

BS1 5BE, Bristol BS1 5BE, UK, Bristol, GB

We're delighted to be back this Autumn with an in-person event prompting us to consider the impact of the rampant surge of AI and data centres on our environment.

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, Exeter University) and Rory Murphy - about the dilemma between our desire to innovate with AI, the 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 ever more, ever larger data centres. We now have hundreds across the UK, and hundreds more in the pipeline. They can use huge amounts of water and energy, contribute to air pollution, and raise local temperatures. But is anyone thinking about why we need them, how many we need, and what their impacts might be on our communities and environment? And do we - as activists, users or potential neighbours of data centres - have enough access to information about their energy and water use, environmental footprint or end users? At Friends of the Earth, we don't think so.

Communities across the UK - and the world - are increasingly raising concerns about the impacts of individual data centres and calling for city leaders and national decision makers to press pause on the data centre explosion. We're part of a growing global movement looking at how we can stand up to big tech and put the brakes on data centre driven harms.

About Kierra

I've been at Friends of the Earth for just over a decade, working on campaigns around trade and environmental protections - before that I worked on social justice campaigns at Citizens Advice and at a number of other third sector charities supporting community action and youth engagement. I'm also chair of the Trade Justice Movement and GM Freeze, a Genetically Modified regulation group, and a regular volunteer for Phone Credit for Refugees (which does exactly what it says on the tin!). Back in the day when I had a twitter bio it read 'often cross, never wrong, likes pie'. I stand by that.

'AI for climate & health: opportunity & responsibility'

Artificial intelligence (AI) is promoted as an enabler for climate and health solutions. However, its rapid adoption generally comes in hand with insufficient consideration to the environmental consequences of it use. This presentation examines both, the potential of AI to support climate and health (for example, through applications in evidence synthesis and knowledge translation), and how can organisations (like universities) can better understand and reduce their environmental impacts of AI systems. Drawing on current research, the presentation discusses the importance of transparency and accountability to ensure that AI contributes positively while remaining consistent with sustainability objectives.

About Mayra

May is a research fellow at the University of Exeter, who uses AI and data science to contribute to solutions for the climate and health. She earned her PhD through a joint program at the University of Exeter (UK) and the University of Queensland(Australia), where she combined computer modelling and machine learning to study how urban water systems are affected by climate change. At Eawag, a Swiss research institute, she built AI models to predict sewage spills and also worked as a scientific assistant to the Directorate. Later, at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, she used satellite data and machine learning to study the ocean and contributed to international research projects on marine ecosystems and climate. Beyond research, May has hands-on experience as an engineer, and often participates in public outreach.

'Behind the Cloud: The Social and Environmental Impacts of Data Centres'

The UK government is accelerating AI infrastructure development to support national AI adoption, produce economic growth and gain digital sovereignty. Within policy, less attention has been paid to the social and environmental impacts created by data centre resource demands on energy, water and minerals, affecting local and international communities.

Rory explores these impacts by reviewing academic research, international case studies and public engagement data from the UK’s largest approved data centre planning application. This talk raises key socio-environmental issues to address in future AI policy and suggests how decision-making could embed long-term sustainability and justice goals into data centre development.

About Rory

I’m a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Exeter and a Knowledge Exchange and Impact Fellow in the ACCESS research network. I’m interested in what it means to be human in the 21st century, and I study the ethical impacts of being connected to and surrounded by widespread digital technologies like AI. I explore how people develop technology and digital infrastructures, where policymakers shape that development, and how the public experience technology. Outside of work, I can be found exploring Devon’s beaches, moors and mountain bike trails.

Schedule
🔓 18.00 - Triodos doors open for in-person attendees
👋 18.30 - Event welcome from organisers
📢 18.35 - 60 second intros - a chance for the audience to introduce themselves, ask for help or share something interesting
💚 18.45 - Kierra's talk
💚 19.05 - Mayra's talk
💚 19.25 - Rory's talk
❓ 19.45 - Q&A
🗓️ 19.55 - Round-up and close

We're hoping to record the event and publish with slides shortly after.
This event is made possible by kind sponsorship from:

• ADLIB Recruitment
• Bristol Digital Futures Institute
• Green Web Foundation