Beyond the Hype: A Critical Climate Lens On AI

The conversation around AI and climate is often muddled: while some express excitement around efficiency gains and technological promise, frontline communities around the world are pushing back against extractive hyperscale data centers.

This conversation between leaders in AI and environmental justice will cut through the competing narratives for a clear look at AI’s implications for the climate crisis. We’ll discuss what the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure means for frontline communities, from water consumption and energy demand to weapons technology and misinformation. Energy and water use are just the tip of the iceberg. What are the real costs of AI, and what does AI infrastructure look like when local communities have a seat at the table?

We’ll be joined by experts across AI ethics, environmental justice, and community power:

Masheika Allgood, AI Ethicist and Founder of AllAI Consulting and the Taps Run Dry InitiativeVeronica Eady, Executive Director of West Oakland Environmental Indicators ProjectAlex Hanna, Director of Research at The Distributed AI Research InstituteHeidi Lim, Moderator, climate communicator/environmental justice activist

​Event Plan:

​​6pm-6:30pm Mingling and introductions​​6:30pm-7:15pm Panel discussion led by Heidi Lim​​7:15pm-8pm Q&A and group discussions8pm-8:30pm Networking

This event is part of SF Climate Week and is co-presented by climate communicator Heidi Lim, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project and Climate Action Club, supported by MediaJustice.

​​Ticket Info:

Tickets are offered on a sliding scale from $5-$20, with a suggested amount of $10 to help cover the costs of hosting this event. We won’t turn anyone away for lack of funds; if this cost is a barrier, please reach out to Clara at cweinstein@woeip.org for more info.

​The event has limited space; if you can't make it, please update your RSVP up to 48 hours before the event starts to get a refund and to open spots up for others.

About the Venue

​We’ll be meeting at Trellis, an inclusive coworking and event space, in SOMA. Light snacks will be provided and drinks (beer and wine) will be available for purchase from the bar. The event is open to folks under 21.

​​​About Climate Action Club

​Climate Action Club is a Bay Area community for people who care about the climate crisis and want to take meaningful, collective action. We host regular IRL community gatherings in SF; check out our Luma cal and find us on Instagram to learn about our next event!

About West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project

The West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (WOEIP) is a resident led, community-based environmental justice organization. Our mission is to build grassroots capacity to sustain local leadership for positive change. We give impacted residents the tools to participate in political, social, and natural processes and drive change from the bottom.

About MediaJustice

MediaJustice builds power to challenge how corporations and governments use media and technology to shape our collective future. In the last year, MJ's black and brown led grassroots campaigns stopped $3.7 billion in hyperscale data center projects in the U.S., training up over 180 community leaders to build power at the intersection of climate, racial and tech justice.

​​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with Climate Action Club, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project, and the organizers of SF Climate Week.

Photos or videos may be taken at this event for future community promotion. Please let an organizer know if you prefer not to be photographed.