The AI Dilemma & Activism Toolkit
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 7:08 pm
If you have concerns about the evolution of generative AI technology and how that impacts nature, communities and society at large, I wanted to share some resources that I have found helpful and informative.
1. Tristan Harris is a former Google ethicists that has been an outspoken critic of social media and how it has impacted us. As AI technology has developed, he's continued to share criticism about the lack of governance around its development. He's a good voice to listen to if you are not completely opposed to AI, but want to see it developed ethically.
2. If you are concerned about Data Centers popping up across the nation, check out the North Star Data Center Policy Toolkit:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x8KsCVOhJS97rxzdd_bWW4Me1Errpj6ggyU5dAdNKUM/edit?tab=t.0
While we might not currently face the threat of a data center right here in the Methow, they are in WA state and perhaps in communities where you have friends and family. As powerful as tech giants seem, the toolkit shares success stories: "Across Indiana, as of December 2025, at least 13 data centers have been rejected or withdrawn due to grassroots opposition."
3. If you want to read information about data centers and AI there is an exhaustive list of linked articles here, including topics like toxic water, noise pollution and energy impacts:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/662008fbe1c43d29c0122d8a/t/69418ebdfa3c355cd6e4208e/1765904061896/List+of+Sources_+Data+centers.pdf
1. Tristan Harris is a former Google ethicists that has been an outspoken critic of social media and how it has impacted us. As AI technology has developed, he's continued to share criticism about the lack of governance around its development. He's a good voice to listen to if you are not completely opposed to AI, but want to see it developed ethically.
2. If you are concerned about Data Centers popping up across the nation, check out the North Star Data Center Policy Toolkit:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x8KsCVOhJS97rxzdd_bWW4Me1Errpj6ggyU5dAdNKUM/edit?tab=t.0
While we might not currently face the threat of a data center right here in the Methow, they are in WA state and perhaps in communities where you have friends and family. As powerful as tech giants seem, the toolkit shares success stories: "Across Indiana, as of December 2025, at least 13 data centers have been rejected or withdrawn due to grassroots opposition."
3. If you want to read information about data centers and AI there is an exhaustive list of linked articles here, including topics like toxic water, noise pollution and energy impacts:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/662008fbe1c43d29c0122d8a/t/69418ebdfa3c355cd6e4208e/1765904061896/List+of+Sources_+Data+centers.pdf