Data Centers Explained

You have probably heard about the growing controversy surrounding data centers, which have increased in both size and prevalence across the world. With the growth of artificial intelligence, data center construction has exploded, along with potentially devastating environmental and financial consequences. As communities and environmental organizations fight to keep these centers from being built, a recent poll found that 41 percent of Americans would oppose a data center being built within three miles of where they live, up from 28 percent in the January survey. The number supporting those projects dropped during the same period, from 37 percent to 24 percent. Will AI development be slowed? Will we all have to pay more for utilities, and by doing so, subsidize giant tech companies? Come and learn about data centers and how they impact all of us. The discussion will be led by John Richter, who serves on the Board of Directors and as Policy Analyst of The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA).

John Richter is a co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Education (ISEE). He's an expert witness in Michigan Public Service Commission cases, and he has presented to the U.S. Congressional Staff on wind energy policy impacts. He has also presented renewable energy policy recommendations to Michigan Legislators and staff. He has a Master's degree in Renewable Energy from Murdoch University and taught solar energy at Macomb Community College. He has been a regular speaker at renewable energy conferences for more than two decades. 

All attendees must pre-register for the Virtual Presentation by clicking the following link: tinyurl.com/SEMM-Gathering.

• Choose "August 15, 2026, 6:30 p.m." from the drop-down box
• Fill in your name and email address
• Click the "Register" button

There is no charge for the Zoom presentation, but due to rising costs (Meetup charges alone went up 70% during the past year!), your donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated. Please donate $5! To donate, go to paypal.com, log in, and click on the "Send" button. Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@mensadetroit.com, click on "Next", fill in your payment amount, and in the "What's this for" dialogue box enter: "SEMM Zoom Presentations". Click 'next", select your payment method, and click "Send".

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The Zoom room opens at 6:30 p.m. (EDT) for mingling. The program starts at 7:00 p.m. (EDT). For more information, contact Harley Berger at MensaDetroit@gmail.com. You may also visit MensaDetroit.org.