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Tech Won't Save Us
Data Vampires: Opposing Data Centers (Episode 2)
Oct 14, 2024
Brid Smith, an Irish MP, advocates against the unsustainable energy demands of data centers. Aurora Gomez Delgado, an organizer from Spain, shines a light on the severe water crisis fueled by tech industry needs. Sebastian Leuede from King’s College London discusses opposition in Chile where communities resist Google’s water usage proposal. They explore the environmental costs of these facilities and question the trade-offs communities are expected to accept as tech giants expand, challenging the perceived benefits of the 'cloud'.
33:22
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Quick takeaways
- Hyperscale data centers are facing opposition from communities due to their excessive water and energy demands, raising environmental concerns.
- Grassroots activism, like that seen in Cerrillos, Chile, showcases how local organizing can effectively challenge corporate infrastructure projects and advocate for resource equity.
Deep dives
The Call for a Pause on AI Development
A significant movement emerged advocating for a six-month halt on the training of advanced generative AI models, gaining backing from influential tech figures, including Elon Musk. However, some support appears to be insincere, as Musk recently launched a competing AI company, XAI, wanting time for it to develop and catch up. This dual approach raises questions about the motivations behind the push for the industry-wide pause, as Musk sought to bolster his company by seemingly advocating for a cause that would benefit all. The situation exemplifies the intense competition in the tech industry, where co-opting altruistic narratives can serve personal interests.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode