Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and connect. But behind every AI query, streamed video, uploaded photo, and cloud-based application lies a vast network of data centers that require significant amounts of energy and water to operate.
In Episode 31 of What Matters Water TV & Podcast, we explore the critical intersection of AI, data centers, energy, and water resources. Recorded live at a Southern California Water Coalition event hosted at California State University, Northridge on July 31, 2026, this timely discussion brought together nearly 200 water professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and industry experts to examine one of the most important infrastructure challenges of the digital age.
Host Charley Wilson is joined by an expert panel featuring:
- Joseph Fong, Vice President and Global Building Engineering Growth Lead at AECOM
- Larry Lidz, Vice President of Software Security at Cisco
- Michael Van Dyke of Meta’s Infrastructure and Energy team.
Together, they discuss the rapid growth of AI, the increasing demands being placed on data centers, and the innovative strategies being developed to balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship.
As communities across the country grapple with rising resource demands, this conversation asks a fundamental question: Can innovation and sustainability grow together? Join us as we explore how industry leaders are working to build a smarter future while protecting the water and energy resources that make that future possible.
Watch or listen now to discover why the future of artificial intelligence is also a water conversation.