Artificial intelligence is reshaping our communities faster than most public conversations can keep up. From the rapid expansion of data centers to growing questions about democracy, public health, energy, and economic justice, AI is one of the defining environmental justice issues of our time.
During Climate Week NYC, Building Equity & Alignment for Environmental Justice and One Square World invite grassroots leaders, funders, and movement partners to join us for a half-day summit exploring what it will take to build a just future that centers community power, democratic decision-making, and environmental justice.
Monday, September 21 @ Malt House – Harlem
471 West 126th Street (Between Convent & Amsterdam Avenues)
New York, NY 10027
Register for either session or stay for the whole summit
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
12-1pm Networking Hour (a light lunch will be provided)
Part 1 (1:00-3:00pm)
The $4.3 Trillion Question: Are Just Data Centers Possible?
The rapid expansion of AI data centers, driven in part by a growing demand for AI and other computing, is profoundly impacting the health, economies, and climate resilience of communities across the country. In response, residents are organizing to shape, challenge, and influence data center development, and to ensure their voices and concerns are reflected in planning and decision-making. As communities, public officials, environmental, tech organizations, and funders seek to respond to growing community organizing and debate, one question continues to emerge: Is there a model for developing good data centers?
This conversation will explore these questions from different perspectives, including what it would take for data center development to be responsive to community priorities, public needs, environmental and health concerns, and democratic decision-making.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Melissa Miles, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance – moderator
- Denise Patel, WeACT for Environment Justice
- Tristan Thomas, Alternatives for Community and Environment
- KD Minor, Alliance for Affordable Energy
- Khalil Shahyd, National Resources Defense Council
Part 2 (3:00-5:00pm)
Funding a Just Future in the Age of AI
If we want to build out a just future –one where our communities have the health, prosperity, and self-determination we need to thrive in a world shaped by AI– it has to be resourced the same way that our current AI systems have been. What scale of funding is needed, and what should that funding go toward? How can philanthropic and investment entities shift their funding to support a just and equitable future? Join us to hear from a panel of grassroots leaders and funders about how they are addressing these issues and advancing sustainability, economic justice, and democracy.
Confirmed Speakers:
- KD Chavez, Climate Justice Alliance – moderator
- Dwaign Tyndal, Alternatives for Community and Environment
- Philip Eubanks, Climate Emergency Fund
- Destiny Hodges, Generation Green