WCC NEWS: Webinar panel will discuss ecological cost of AI

The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Canadian Council of Churches will host a webinar panel discussion, entitled “Counting the Ecological Cost of AI - Data Centres, Water, Energy, and Critical Mineral Extraction,” on 17 September at 10 am (GMT-4:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada).  Photo: CCC and WCC 27 August 2026 Training AI models can use as much electricity as hundreds of households, and a single AI conversation can require half a litre of fresh water for cooling. Behind every chatbot query sits a data centre: consuming energy, water, and critical minerals, often imposed on rural and poor communities without their consent. Participants will discuss a potential "red line" to test and refine: Additional energy consumption required by AI must be carbon neutral and must not contribute further to the rate of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use. Those gathered will also explore focused church campaigning to support communities and advocate for regulations to halt unchecked data center construction. The webinar will bring together theologians, ethicists, and scientists to explore what climate justice demands of the AI age, and how churches can respond.  Moderator Peter Kuhnert, WCC Faith and Science Working Group co-chair  Panelists Rev. Glen Chebon Kernell, Seminole Nation, United Methodist Church in USA and member of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs  Rev. Dr Yoon-Jae Chang, Presbyterian Church in Korea and member of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development Wanjou Lin, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and University of Tubingen  Register here See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland