Moville meeting highlights concerns about the environmental impact of AI

An increase in the use of technology and AI could damage the environment and impact water and electricity supplies, author and activist Gerry McGovern has told a meeting in Moville.

Mr McGovern spoke at the meeting on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on our environment in Moville on Thursday night. 

He said the rapidly changing digital world is shaping people and the planet and the legacy this will leave for future generations. Massive data centres consume huge amounts of water and electricity and are enormously damaging, he added.

“This infrastructure is growing rapidly, and with AI it’s going to get twenty times bigger. Big-tech are hiding all this stuff, forcing local governments not to release water data, etc. Technology is the total opposite of what we need for a sustainable world. To solve the problems, we don't need more technology. It’s like we are sawing off the branch we're sitting on.”

The event was hosted by ChangeMakers Donegal at the Inishowen Development Partnership, as part of its Conversations Towards Action series.

Event organiser Myra McAuliffe said:  “Many people are concerned about the dominance of technology in our lives and may not fully understand the impact of technology on our environment and communities at a social level.”

A local point of view was given by Liam Burns, chairman of the custodians of Carnagarve Forest in Moville. 

“There is a lot of anger out there about a range of issues. It is good to have an opportunity to talk about and listen to possibilities for living better community lives. Carnagarve Forest is a close-to-earth green space and we are glad to offer it,” said Mr Burns.

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John Erameh from Nigeria, who now lives in Donegal, spoke about the impact of oil mining in Nigeria and the legacy of human rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. 

Olitha Mpofu from Zimbabwe spoke about what stood out from Gerry’s talk from a climate justice perspective and about her own journey towards making a difference in her new home. Ms Olitha is a recent participant in the ChangeMakers Donegal Local Voices, Global Issues programme.

Ms McAuliffe said: “Gerry is an inspirational speaker, I hope the audience left feeling informed and inspired to take action in their own local areas.”