One thing I love about the public school my kids go to in Berkeley, California, is that we have forest day once a month. Together with parents, kids, and teachers, we spend the day in nature exploring, playing, and observing how the environment changes. Different colors, sounds, patterns, smells, and movements. Such a profound yet simple thing.
On our last forest day I met another parent and we started talking about work. Turns out his employer is a big developer who purchased an amusement park in San Jose, which they plan to demolish, most likely to build a data center. “It will be worth 10 times more.” This conversation reminded me of my colleague Sussan’s recent issue briefing on the data center boom and its impact on water. In my mind, this is a reflection of our time, erasing spaces for our youth to make space for AI. If only we realized that forest days are joy, while technology is fun at best.
On Tap
- Upcoming trainings on messaging and trust-building communications
- Water impacts of data centers: what we know so far and recommendations from the Great Lakes region
- The metamorphosis the environmental movement needs to survive
- Nature-based solutions in Houston
Wrapping up the year with two webinars!
December 9: “Messaging Deep Dive: Disaster Resilience and Natural Defenses.” We’re sharing new messaging research from Water Hub and Climate Advocacy Lab.
December 11: “The Flow of Trust: Launching the Water Utility-community Communication Guide.” Join us for a walkthrough of a new communications guidebook featuring case studies on how two-way communication builds stronger partnerships with Rogue Water and Junction Coalition.
Current-ly
How will the data center boom impact our water future? Check out our new issue briefing blog on artificial intelligence, data centers, and water! Spoiler: it needs serious attention.
Water We Reading
Dr. Len challenges our movement: “See it in their comment sections: polite applause from insiders, silence from everyone else.” A brave invitation for us to get more creative and get with the times!
Making Waves
Alliance for the Great Lakes’ report highlights the need for action to ensure water access is protected in light of how data centers, agriculture, and mining are sharply increasing water demand.
Now Streaming
🎉 Check out a new video unpacking how Houston’s Bayou City Waterkeeper works with communities and nature for flood resilience. The video is a Water Hub collaboration with Ariel Viera, a Peabody Award-winning creator exploring urban history.