Climate Week AI Panel Disrupted by Extinction Rebellion NYC
Extinction Rebellion NYC protesters interrupted a Climate Week panel on AI and data centers multiple times, as industry figures discussed the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence.
A Climate Week panel on artificial intelligence and data centers was interrupted multiple times by Extinction Rebellion NYC protesters, according to Wired. The disruption came as industry figures discussed the environmental footprint of the rapidly expanding AI sector.
The panel included Cully Cavness, cofounder and president of data center infrastructure company Crusoe, and Varun Sivaram of Emerald AI. Their discussion took place against a backdrop of growing local opposition to data center development.
Data center moratoriums have appeared in both red and blue states, reflecting bipartisan concern over the facilities' impact. Yet polls show climate ranks low among data center-related environmental concerns for many voters, behind water, energy use, and local air and noise pollution.
William Lawrence, a founder of the Sunrise Movement now running for Michigan's 7th congressional district, released a platform to stop AI development that does not mention climate change. He says at least three hyperscalers are building projects in his district.
Quick answers
Who interrupted the Climate Week AI panel?
Extinction Rebellion NYC protesters interrupted the panel multiple times.
Who was on the panel?
Cully Cavness, cofounder and president of Crusoe, and Varun Sivaram of Emerald AI.
What environmental concerns rank higher than climate for voters?
Water, energy use, and local air and noise pollution rank higher than climate among data center-related environmental concerns for many voters.