The explosion of generative AI has caused a global boom in the construction of energy-hungry data centres with associated fossil fuel power expansion, as well as concerns about the strain they may place on clean energy resources, grid capacity and water use.

With the UK government keen to fast-track data centres, over 50 are currently being planned or built in the UK, including the largest ever built here, in Cambois, Northumberland. What can we do as campaigners to minimise the climate and environmental impact? And how does it link to social concerns?

Join us for this webinar to hear from experts in this complex area.

Oliver Hayes is Head of Policy & Campaigns at Global Action Plan, which recently won a legal case against the government approving a hyperscale data centre in Buckinghamshire without properly considering the energy use and environmental impact.

Anne Alexander is a researcher and journalist covering the social, ecological and political impacts of AI systems, currently working on a forthcoming book on the AI Arms Race.

James Meadway is an economist, and host the of Macrodose podcast. He writes regularly on AI, data centres, and the environmental harm they cause, and his book, The Natural Economy, will be out in 2027.