AI data centres are expanding rapidly across the globe, and are absolutely not important in today's digital age, they pose significant threats to our environment, job security, and individual freedoms. I've recently witnessed plans to create a massive AI data centre in a pristine area of natural beauty, and it made me realise the impact these centres can have. The allocation of land for these data centres often results in the displacement of potential green areas, increasing our carbon footprint and removing vital ecosystems.

Building data centres can lead to environmental degradation. According to a report from the International Energy Agency, data centres account for about 1% of global electricity demand, with that number expected to rise as AI requires more power. More electricity means more greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the land used for these centres could have been devoted to projects that actively benefit our planet, like reforestation or sustainable agriculture.

Cutting down old-growth forests for industrial purposes destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and releases carbon stored in trees back into the atmosphere. Instead, why not use the land intended for data centres for reforestation, specifically for logging purposes? Sustainable logging gives us the timber resources we need while allowing for the renewal of forest areas. It would create a cycle where trees can grow and be harvested responsibly, protecting and preserving our natural landscapes.

Not only would this strategy support environmental sustainability, but it would also safeguard jobs within the logging industry, which is crucial for many rural economies. The World Bank indicates that forests create around 13 million jobs globally. By opting for tree plantations instead of data centres, we could preserve these jobs while simultaneously promoting ecological health.

Furthermore, the centralisation of data processing raises concerns about privacy and the potential loss of jobs due to increased automation. As AI systems become more capable, there is a risk of widespread unemployment in sectors once reliant on human expertise.

Let's rethink our approach and plan for a greener, sustainable future. By urging policymakers and tech companies to reconsider, putting a full stop to these data centres being the ideal outcome, we can help mitigate potential environmental damage and secure the livelihoods of those who depend on sustainable forest management.

Sign this petition to demand that land planned for AI data centres is repurposed for tree planting and responsible logging instead. Together, we can make a difference for our planet and our communities first