THIRST: the societal and environmental costs of AI data centre expansion

Dr. Kat Austen in conversation with Fiona McGarry, introduction by Dr. Paul O’Neill

AI data centres are being built at an accelerating rate around the globe, their demands for water and energy raising concern. At the same time, AI agents are becoming embedded in search engines, operating systems, software and even in the infrastructure for critical services. Through long-term artistic research, Kat Austen explores the systemic impact of AI expansion, both on and offline. Since 2025, Austen has worked with Paul O’Neill to explore global perspectives on AI data centre expansions. In conversation with Fiona McGarry (Journalism & Media), Austen will present research into the landscape changes at a data centre construction site in Asia, and the resonances that this shares with similar sites around the world.

Dr. Kat Austen is a recipient of the Visiting Fellowship Scheme at University of Galway’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies, in collaboration with Dr. Paul O'Neill (Huston School of Film & Digital Media).

Image: Korea National AI Data Centre construction site, Sanimyeon, Republic of Korea, courtesy Copernicus Sentinel Data (2026)