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.

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.

 

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.
 

The decisions being made about AI today will shape our communities for decades to come. Join grassroots leaders, funders, and movement partners to explore how we can build the power, partnerships, and investments needed to advance environmental justice in the age of AI. Attend one session or both.