The rush for AI data center construction is increasing the already growing rush for critical minerals. As a result, data centers not only raise social, economic, and environmental questions for the local areas where they are built, they raise dire questions for the areas in the Global South where materials necessary for their advanced technology are mined. This panel will examine this complex dynamic with a conversation about data center advocacy in the Michiana region, recent Catholic teaching on AI ethics and data centers, particularly in Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, and realities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo related to critical minerals and violent conflict.
Co-sponsored by the Catholic Peacebuilding Network and the Institute for Social Concerns, this event is part of this year's commemoration of the International Day of Peace—established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly—which the Kroc Institute pays heed to annually through a dedicated event or panel discussion. Lunch will be provided.
Panelists include:
- Casear Montevecchio, Assistant Director, Catholic Peacebuilding Network (Moderator)
- Ryan Juskus, Assistant Director of the Practice and Faculty Director of NDBridge, Institute for Social Concerns
- Léocadie Lushombo, Associate Professor of Theological Ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology at the University of Santa Clara (joining via Zoom)
- Chloe Noel, Policy Advisor, Environmental Justice and Climate Change, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Emily Grubert, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, Keough School of Global Affairs
Originally published at kroc.nd.edu.