Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Data centres are making headlines — from Elon Musk’s plans to build them in space to governments around the world announcing ever‑larger development deals. But what stories lie behind these grand announcements? The panel will explore the common assumption that data centres are an unavoidable component of digital innovation, climate strategies, and economic development. It will also consider the environmental and social impacts associated with their expansion, as well as the market incentives and corporate lobbying that contribute to their rapid growth and most importantly their impact on local communities. Drawing on stories from around the world, the panellists will outline the intersecting issues surrounding data centres, including corporate influence, climate considerations, environmental degradation, human impact, and deeply rooted structural inequalities. They will also highlight examples of resistance and community organising efforts that offer alternative perspectives and challenge narratives of inevitability. Moderated by Lou Welgryn. Sponsored by Luminate.
Con: Julia Faustina Abad (specialist Digital Rights Program Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection), Lais Martins (investigative reporter The Intercept Brasil), Max Schulze (co-founder Leitmotiv), Lou Welgryn (secretary general Data for Good)
Data centres are making headlines — from Elon Musk’s plans to build them in space to governments around the world announcing ever‑larger development deals. But what stories lie behind these grand announcements? The panel will explore the common assumption that data centres are an unavoidable component of digital innovation, climate strategies, and economic development. It will also consider the environmental and social impacts associated with their expansion, as well as the market incentives and corporate lobbying that contribute to their rapid growth and most importantly their impact on local communities. Drawing on stories from around the world, the panellists will outline the intersecting issues surrounding data centres, including corporate influence, climate considerations, environmental degradation, human impact, and deeply rooted structural inequalities. They will also highlight examples of resistance and community organising efforts that offer alternative perspectives and challenge narratives of inevitability. Moderated by Lou Welgryn. Sponsored by Luminate.
Con: Julia Faustina Abad (specialist Digital Rights Program Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection), Lais Martins (investigative reporter The Intercept Brasil), Max Schulze (co-founder Leitmotiv), Lou Welgryn (secretary general Data for Good)
