Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
AI is driving the biggest technology boom in decades but behind the digital revolution lies growing environmental challenges.
The data centres needed to train and power artificial intelligence consume vast amounts of electricity and water, while generating enormous amounts of heat.
From the United States to Europe, communities are pushing back against the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, citing concerns over water use, noise pollution and pressure on local power grids.
A recent study found that data centres can create a "data heat island effect", raising temperatures in the surrounding area and warming local microclimates.
While advocates argue AI will transform healthcare, education and business, environmental scientists warn its growing energy demands could make climate targets harder to achieve.
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Alex de Vries-Gao, Founder of Digiconomist and a researcher at the Institute for Environmental Studies.
Deborah Andrews
Emeritus Professor of Design for Sustainability and Circularity in the College of Technology and Environment at London South Bank University.
Jayne Mather
Technology adoption expert and author of ‘Humans & AI’ and ‘Super User Networks’.
#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ClimateChange #DataCentres #Technology #Energy #Environment
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
AI is driving the biggest technology boom in decades but behind the digital revolution lies growing environmental challenges.
The data centres needed to train and power artificial intelligence consume vast amounts of electricity and water, while generating enormous amounts of heat.
From the United States to Europe, communities are pushing back against the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, citing concerns over water use, noise pollution and pressure on local power grids.
A recent study found that data centres can create a "data heat island effect", raising temperatures in the surrounding area and warming local microclimates.
While advocates argue AI will transform healthcare, education and business, environmental scientists warn its growing energy demands could make climate targets harder to achieve.
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Alex de Vries-Gao, Founder of Digiconomist and a researcher at the Institute for Environmental Studies.
Deborah Andrews
Emeritus Professor of Design for Sustainability and Circularity in the College of Technology and Environment at London South Bank University.
Jayne Mather
Technology adoption expert and author of ‘Humans & AI’ and ‘Super User Networks’.
#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #ClimateChange #DataCentres #Technology #Energy #Environment
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
