Data Centers with Mitch Jones

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Mitch Jones from Food & Water Watch explores the growing concerns surrounding data centers and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, including the potential risks of superintelligent AI. The conversation examines the environmental impact of data centers, including energy and water consumption, as well as potential public health and political consequences. Mitch also discusses how the expansion of AI infrastructure can affect local communities and why grassroots organizing, community activism, and public opposition are essential for holding corporations and policymakers accountable. Learn how communities can push back against unchecked data center development and advocate for a more sustainable and responsible approach to AI technology.What We're Talking About...The environmental impact of hyperscale data centers and AI infrastructureData center water consumption, energy use, and strain on local resourcesPotential public health risks associated with data center pollution and emissionsThe influence of Big Tech companies and billionaires on AI and data center policyCommunity organizing and grassroots activism against data center expansionLegislative efforts, moratoriums, and policies aimed at regulating data centers and AI developmentThe potential risks of superintelligent AI and concerns about human extinctionBipartisan efforts to address the environmental and societal impacts of data centers and artificial intelligence Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Mitch Jones03:12 The alarming news about AI and its risks04:41 The environmental and health impacts of data centers08:02 Different types of data centers and their scale10:08 Electricity and water usage of hyperscale data centers12:18 Water pollution and chemical use in data centers13:31 Noise and air pollution from data centers14:01 Health impacts of smaller data centers15:10 Disruption of local ecosystems and land use19:02 What individuals can do to oppose data centers20:03 Political landscape and bipartisan support for moratoriums24:00 Legislative actions and bills to regulate AI and data centers25:31 The global race for AI and robotics in China27:18 Community organizing and grassroots efforts28:05 The existential threat of superintelligent AI30:48 The profit motive behind AI development32:26 The potential for unity across political divides33:24 Closing remarks and call to actionLinks MentionedThe Top 10 Reasons Data Centers Must Be Stopped: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/03/04/the-top-10-reasons-data-centers-must-be-stopped/What Do We Lose When Our Leaders Give Handouts to Data Centers: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/06/08/data-center-tax-breaks-ohio/Stop Data Centers Now! Campaign Toolkit: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FOR-WEB-Toolkit_-Stop-the-Data-Center-Buildout-2.pdf