Climate writers 🌱 August ft. data centres and AI
Concerned about climate change? We host monthly gatho's to contact politicians on climate action, and learn about 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 Seyedmahmoudian (Professor at Swinburne University of Technology) and Dr Hosseini (Senior Lecturer at University of Melbourne) 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 or those who haven't done onboarding)
1pm Mingle and snack + 1.15pm onboarding. We'll cover:Why contacting politicians is the most effective lever for systemic change
Climate policy pop quiz
How to write an effective email to an MP
1.45pm Community wins and updates
2pm Guest speaker panel on data centres and AI
3pm 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)
4pm 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 usually run once a month on a Thursday evening, and occasionally on a weekend.
For more dates, view our community calendar.
📍 Where is it? Register for the exact address.
🌱 About Climate Writers:
Climate Writers is a grassroots community that empowers everyday Australians to become lifelong advocates for the environment and their local community. Starting out as living room gatho’s with friends, we have since grown into a community of 400+ people, who have sent 800+ personalised letters to politicians on climate action, met with dozens of MPs, and contributed to a policy paper presented to the NSW Minister. Through monthly gatho’s across Australia, we aim to elevate the conversation about climate to a massive and sustained scale that is impossible for all politicians to ignore.
We're 100% volunteer-run and politically non-partisan.
Instagram @climatewriters
💌 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, banning of native forestry logging in Victoria and more...
Contributions to a policy paper requesting a youth advisory council to the NSW Net Zero Commission, currently being actioned by MP Penny Sharpe's(NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Enviro) team
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.
Group meeting with MP Jenny Leong (Newtown) after Marlene wrote to her on the NSW State election. Jenny connected us with other local climate non-profits, and hosted us in NSW Parliament.
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), and Dai Le (Fowler)
Publications in local papers
Countless responses from local MPs / their teams who are reminded about everyday people wanting climate action
Make climate action a habit by registering for future sessions in our community calendar.