From the explosive growth of AI to the hidden energy demands of data centers, this webinar unpacks the environmental footprint of our digital age. As AI systems grow in complexity and scale, so do their material and energy needs—raising urgent questions about sustainability, justice, and accountability in the digital transition.
This event is part of the AI & Democracy webinar series, sponsored by the Chair in AI and Democracy at the Florence School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute.
The webinar examines the infrastructures behind artificial intelligence, exploring what kinds of futures are being powered, for whom, at what environmental cost—and with what consequences for democratic governance and public accountability.
With guest speakers:
• Julia Rone (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
• Julia Velkova (Linköping University)
Organised and moderated by Stefania Milan (University of Amsterdam & EUI)
About the speakers
Julia Rone is an Assistant Professor in Comparative Politics at the VU Amsterdam. Her current research focuses on democratic participation in decision making on digital infrastructure and the controversies and power struggles around EU's digital sovereignty agenda.
Julia Velkova is associate professor of media and communication studies at TEMA-T, Linköping University, and a Profutura Scientia Fellow. In her research she studies the politics of energizing digital infrastructure with focus on data centers, and the dismantling of copper-based telephony and internet transmission networks in a Nordic context.
Stefania Milan is Professor of Critical Data Studies at the University of Amsterdam and collaborates with the Chair AI & Democracy at the Florence School of Transnational Governance, European University Institute.
Join us for a a critical conversation on the environmental cost of digital progress!
Online – Free attendance, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Register