GESS Fall 2025 Energy Lunches

Hosted by Mary Finley-Brook, author of Climate Crisis, Energy Violence, in collaboration with community partners. Pizza provided.

Speakers: Mary Finley-Brook with Virginia Geographic Alliance and Sierra Club Falls of the James Group

“Our AI Use is Tied to Virginia’s Data Center Hotspot: Who Profits and Who Pays Most?”

What are the costs and benefits of Virginia’s data center expansion? As the prolific use of AI supercharges data center growth, tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Meta are investing heavily in Virginia. The material requirements for cloud computing will be unpacked as the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of policies and developments in the state are discussed. Efforts to educate AI users and prepare impacted communities are key to assure more ethical and greener computer operations for universities and other institutions located in the Commonwealth. 

Sponsored by the Department of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Program, and the Class of 1992 Fund.