The Climate Cost of AI
Pasadena Climate Commons: Panel Discussion
Join us for a panel discussion with leaders working at the intersection of technology, energy, and sustainability as we explore how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping demand for water and power across modern data centers and what is being done to address it.
What We’ll Explore
We’ll examine both sides of the equation:
The environmental footprint of modern computing and data infrastructure
How AI and advanced computing can also support climate research and clean energy innovation
Practical steps developers, companies, and policymakers can take to ensure technology supports a more sustainable future
Speakers
Greg Eisenberg
An experienced software engineering leader working in solar energy, bringing insights into the intersection of technology and renewable power systems.
Adrian Hightower
Sustainability professional at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, with expertise in water systems and regional resource management. Adrian will speak to water demand challenges and infrastructure constraints, including impacts from data centers.
Alec Miller
Leads a software team that has developed a Sustainability calculator for data centers, and is part of an infrastructure fund that owns a data center developer
Miranda Kerrigan
Executive Director at the iMasons Climate Accord, Miranda brings a global view on the rapid scale of data center expansion and the role of hyperscalers in driving renewable energy investment. She will also speak to collective industry action, infrastructure challenges, and how communities can engage as partners in this growth.
Why This Event Matters
This conversation sits at the intersection of two major regional initiatives:
Pasadena Connect Week
LA Climate Week
By bringing these communities together, we aim to highlight how Pasadena is actively contributing to climate dialogue and building a strong ecosystem around sustainability and innovation.
Who Should Attend
If you're interested in joining a welcoming, technically curious climate community in Pasadena, we’d love to have you.
Location & Parking
Foundrspace
Parking options nearby:
Free Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LoBv9QwLNeJeksyn9
Public Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGyCFsD9Cnt3S5Hx8
Hotel Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/51i6muhSxYd81Rmm6