Author:

This story was originally published by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, a joint center of Columbia Law School and Columbia Climate School. The world’s energy systems and digital infrastructure are undergoing rapid and interconnected transformations. The continued expansion of data centers—driven by growing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and next-generation digital services—is fueling a rapid and significant rise in energy consumption in certain markets, with implications for global energy systems. At the same time, the suite of digital technologies supported by these data centers is reshaping the very design, efficiency and resilience of the energy systems on which they depend—while also transforming essential public services across s...

What does mobility look like in the face of climate change? How can we build more just and climate-resilient communities? When should areas opt for adaptation in place over managed retreat? These are just some of the questions to expect at this year’s MR2025 (formerly known as Managed Retreat) conference. Hosted by the Columbia Climate School, the event will tackle the multifaceted concerns of mobility, adaptation and wellbeing—and their shifting roles in response to global climate threats. Now in its fourth iteration, MR2025 will once again bring together hundreds of representatives from the public, private and nonprofit sectors alongside scientists, academics and community members from around the world. It will be held from June 16 to June 18, in partnership with the Global Centre...