Tech Won't Save Us Data Centers Are a Climate Enemy w/ Ketan Joshi
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Nov 27, 2025 Ketan Joshi, a climate writer and data analyst from Oslo, dives into the alarming impact of data centers on climate change. He reveals how these facilities are driving a significant increase in fossil fuel consumption, undermining climate targets. Ketan critiques tech companies for their performative green commitments and highlights the troubling collaboration between tech and fossil fuel industries. He also warns about the misleading narrative that AI can solve emissions issues, emphasizing the urgent need for climate advocacy to address data center emissions.
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Data Use Is Growing Faster Than Business Growth
- Data center energy use has decoupled from business growth and is accelerating per user and per dollar of revenue.
- Ketan Joshi warns companies burn more power without proportional returns, worsening climate impact.
New Demand Often Saves Fossil Fuels
- Rapid regional power demand growth tends to sustain fossil fuel generators rather than displace them.
- Joshi explains new renewable capacity often meets new demand instead of reducing fossil fuel output.
Tech Moonshots Were Often Greenwashing
- Tech green claims have become performative promises that companies then reverse by expanding energy use.
- Joshi argues climate professionals were duped and must intensely doubt corporate pledges.
