Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In this presentation, Kaif Siddiqui explains how he seeks to study the relationship between data centres, degrowth and the Global South to explore the possibilities of reimagining data centres as spaces of justice and community building, particularly in the Global South. Siddiqui attempts to develop a framework for regulation of data centres in the Indian context that draws inspiration from degrowth principles.
Data centres are integral components of the modern digital economy, serving as the backbone for various online services, such as artificial intelligence-driven cloud computing, e-commerce, and streaming platforms. However, their regular operation poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in terms of energy and water use. They account for an estimated 1% to 1.8% of global energy consumption. The development of data centres presents significant ecological challenges, particularly in resource-strapped regions of the Global South. As countries grapple with the balance between technological advancement and environmental governance, the implications of data centre growth extend beyond energy demands and influence the local environment and economy, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities in wealth and resource distribution.
In this presentation, Kaif Siddiqui explains how he seeks to study the relationship between data centres, degrowth and the Global South to explore the possibilities of reimagining data centres as spaces of justice and community building, particularly in the Global South. Siddiqui attempts to develop a framework for regulation of data centres in the Indian context that draws inspiration from degrowth principles.
Data centres are integral components of the modern digital economy, serving as the backbone for various online services, such as artificial intelligence-driven cloud computing, e-commerce, and streaming platforms. However, their regular operation poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in terms of energy and water use. They account for an estimated 1% to 1.8% of global energy consumption. The development of data centres presents significant ecological challenges, particularly in resource-strapped regions of the Global South. As countries grapple with the balance between technological advancement and environmental governance, the implications of data centre growth extend beyond energy demands and influence the local environment and economy, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities in wealth and resource distribution.
