The Hidden Infrastructure of AI: Powering and Cooling Data Centers for Climate Accountability

​Artificial intelligence(AI) is often presented as a digital innovation, but its rapid growth depends on data centers with substantial electricity, grid, cooling, and refrigerant needs. When these impacts are addressed separately, infrastructure costs and climate risks can be shifted to electricity consumers and host communities, while accountability for clean power and cooling remains unclear.

​This policy roundtable will bring together policymakers, industry representatives, and climate and energy experts to examine how AI data centers can be powered and cooled responsibly. The discussion will connect electricity demand and grid investment with credible clean power procurement, cooling efficiency, low-GWP refrigerants, and refrigerant management across the full lifecycle.