Comedian Charlie Berens riffs on data centers

Popular comedian Charlie Berens, visiting Phoenix, is blending activism with his comedic performances to address concerns about "Big Tech" and its operations, specifically referencing data centers. Berens drew parallels to past corporate actions, such as PFOS contamination in Wisconsin lakes, to underscore the potential environmental risks associated with unchecked development. He emphasized a cautious approach, contrasting the tech industry's "move fast and break things" mentality with a "measure twice, cut once" philosophy, advocating for thorough planning to prevent negative impacts like local temperature increases or chemical water pollution. Berens also voiced concerns over the potential for data center development to raise energy bills for residents. He framed these issues as a matter of public interest versus the priorities of billionaires, stressing the importance of disseminating accurate information to communities. The comedian's message underscores a broader sentiment of skepticism towards corporate assurances and a call for greater accountability in the expansion of technological infrastructure.