Webinar: Counting the Ecological Cost of AI - Data Centres, Water, Energy, and Critical Mineral Extraction

Webinar: Counting the Ecological Cost of AI - Data Centres, Water, Energy, and Critical Mineral Extraction

GDF

Thu, 08/27/2026 - 13:56

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Canadian Council of Churches will host a webinar panel discussion, entitled “ Counting the Ecological Cost of AI - Data Centres, Water, Energy, and Critical Mineral Extraction,” on 17 September at 10 am (GMT-4:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada).

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Photo: CCC and WCC

Training AI models can use as much electricity as hundreds of households, and a single AI conversation can require half a litre of fresh water for cooling. Behind every chatbot query sits a data centre: consuming energy, water, and critical minerals, often imposed on rural and poor communities without their consent.

Participants will discuss a potential "red line" to test and refine: Additional energy consumption required by AI must be carbon neutral and must not contribute further to the rate of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use.

Those gathered will also explore focused church campaigning to support communities and advocate for regulations to halt unchecked…