Water World Week – Artificial Intelligence: The Hidden Costs

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
PROGRAM #10872 12:00 PM PT

Water World Week

Artificial Intelligence: The Hidden Costs. 

While the Trump administration promotes the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) companies, the Tucson government has voted to halt construction of a massive data center known as Project Blue and is discussing ways to regulate future data center projects. Developers had promised hundreds of well-paying jobs, but local leaders warned the facility would consume as much water and electricity as thousands of homes. What are Tucson’s main concerns about these AI centers? What is the scientific community warning about their ecological footprint? Can technology hubs be built without depleting the planet?

Guests: Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson, Tucson, AZ; Dr. Pablo Ortiz-Partida, Scientist, Director of Innovation and Collaboration, Union of Concerned Scientists, Santa Cruz, CA.

Journalists Killed in Gaza. Amid the offensive to seize all of Gaza, Israeli forces attacked a tent sheltering reporters, killing six journalists. International organizations warn that more journalists have been killed in Gaza than in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars combined. Who were the journalists killed? Why are reporters being targeted? Who is held accountable for these crimes? How is the international community responding?

Guest: Témoris Grecko, Mexican journalist and contributor, winner of the 2023 National Journalism Award in the opinion and analysis category for “Ayotzinapa: 9 years, military and spies act on their own,” Mexico City, MX today from Washington, DC.

Is Social Security at Risk? Since 1935, millions in the U.S. have received Social Security benefits—a pillar that has allowed generations to retire with dignity after decades of work. Ninety years after its creation, the future of millions is at stake, raising key questions: Will benefits remain guaranteed for those nearing retirement? How can this system be protected and strengthened amid economic uncertainty and demographic changes?

Guest: Abigail Zapote, Former Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration, Washington, DC.

Photo: tucsonaz.gov

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