Climate writers 🌱 August ft. data centres and AI
Concerned about climate change? We host monthly gatho's to email politicians to take climate action, and learn about climate solutions from experts.
Our August sesh is focused on data centres and AI. AI is reshaping our world, and the infrastructure powering it is expanding fast. But what does this boom mean for our environment and the communities where data centres are built? Join leading academics Dr Bronwyn Cumbo (Lecturer at UTS) and Johanna Lim (Research Associate at the United States Studies Centre) as they unpack the hidden footprint of AI, from soaring electricity and water use to the strain on local grids, land, and neighbourhoods, and explore what a more sustainable path could look like.
What to expect:
(Newbies only) 9.30am Mingle and snack + 9.50am Onboarding
10.30am Community wins and updates
10.45am Guest speaker panel on data centres and AI
12pm Email MPs on a climate issue such as the Federal inquiry on data centres: We'll supply writing resources to guide you (bring your laptop / writing device)
1pm Finish
❓ Who should come?
We welcome everyone referred by another attendee - whether you're new in your climate journey or a seasoned greenie. 2 in 3 people who join have never written to a politician before!
❓ What do I need to bring?
Just bring your 💻 laptop and if you're feeling generous, a 🥨 snack to share.
❓ Can I bring a friend? YES! Ask them to register via this event page. :)
❓ When is it? We run every month on a Sunday.
For new joiners, come at 9.30am to mingle and snack for a 9.50am onboarding session.
If you've attended before, please arrive to start at 10.30am.
We will wrap up at 1pm.
For more dates, view our community calendar.
📍 Where is it? Location is a 3 min walk from Redfern Station. Register for the exact address.
Venue accessibility: There are two small steps at the entrance.
💌 Community love from previous sessions:
"The session left me feeling motivated, inspired and reassured that there are so many wonderful people like us, wanting and actually making the effort towards tackling climate change"
"Climate change feels like such a big topic, but Eezu and Marlene have made such a great and supportive space that shows us how easy it can be to take action and fight for the things that are important"
Having sent 800+ emails to date, we've had:
Policy wins on topics we've written to politicians about: e.g the passing of the Climate Change Bill, stronger rules on the Safeguard Mechanism, establishment of Great Koala National Park and more...
Contributions to policy proposals presented to the NSW Net Zero Commission and Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
Visits to Federal Parliament to speak with 40+ MPs to share our experiences on climate change as young people, and push for climate adaptation investment and energy bill savings
Meeting with MP Chris Bowen (Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy) to discuss Labor's climate policies after Annie wrote to him about opposing fossil fuel exploration.
1:1 meetings with local MPs / Councillors to ensure climate action is top of mind e.g Tim James (Willoughby), Paul Fletcher (Bradfield), Charishma Kaliyanda (Liverpool), Jenny Leong (Newtown) and Dai Le (Fowler)
Publications in local papers
Countless responses from local MPs / their teams who are reminded about everyday people wanting climate action
Note: Dates are subject to change, but we'll notify you in advance.
Make climate action a habit by registering for future sessions in our community calendar.
Co-founded by Eezu Tan and Marlene Baquiran to make climate action fun, accessible and effective.
100% volunteer-run and non-partisan.