Molly Taft

Molly Taft, a senior writer for WIRED focusing on energy and the environment, dives into the complexities of data centers, especially the surge in AI infrastructure. She discusses the significant energy and water consumption of these facilities, as well as the political dimensions surrounding them. The conversation touches on the role of GPUs in AI processing and the environmental concerns that often go unreported. Molly also highlights the competition among tech giants and the potential risks of over-expansion, urging citizens to engage with local energy issues.

Molly Taft, a dedicated reporter on fossil fuels, is joined by Geoffrey Supran, a climate disinformation researcher, and Craig Callender, a philosopher of science at UCSD. They dive into the concerning influence of fossil fuel funding on academic research, revealing a shocking lack of transparency and a staggering $37 million in undisclosed donations at Columbia University. The trio discusses the ethical dilemmas this funding creates, the urgent need for clearer disclosure practices, and parallels to historical funding controversies in academia.

Molly Taft, a senior climate reporter at WIRED, and Aaron Cantú, a staff writer at Capital & Main, dive into the environmental impact of California’s data centers. They discuss the alarming energy demands these facilities have due to AI, leading to increased fossil fuel emissions. Taft highlights the complex relationship between data centers and water use, while Cantú emphasizes the strain on local grids. They also explore community pushback and the lack of transparency in energy consumption, revealing a deeper concern about the future of energy policy amid the AI boom.