Author: Adam Mahoney

Bitcoin is fueling Texas’ energy struggles as the state braces for record-breaking heat, impacting Black communities caught in the crosswires of climate change and booming data centers. Amid severe weather events and a push for more electricity production, Texas is investing in new fossil fuel power plants to meet energy demands from data centers. However, experts argue that clean energy sources like wind and solar are more reliable and cost-effective alternatives. The focus on new gas power plants disproportionately affects Black communities with higher pollution exposure and health risks. The rise of artificial intelligence and crypto-mining is exacerbating energy consumption,…

With rising temperatures and longer summers ahead, Black communities are taking proactive measures to combat the urban heat island effect. In New Orleans, a group of mainly Black elders gathered to learn about the impact of rising temperatures and failed governmental responses. Nationwide, heat-related deaths have increased significantly, surpassing deaths from hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. As the threat of extreme heat continues to grow, Black communities are organizing heat preparation workshops and sharing resources to protect vulnerable residents. As individuals like Jesse Perkins witness the changing climate, the focus has shifted towards adaptability rather than solutions. The lack of…

The story of “John Doe 1” from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a tragic tale hidden in a lawsuit filed against several U.S. tech giants, including Tesla. In a country rich in resources buried beneath its surface, poverty often drives children like John to work in dangerous conditions, as he did digging for cobalt rocks in a mine at a young age. Tragically, John was buried alive in a tunnel collapse, his body never recovered. The Congo, plagued by war and suffering, has become a key supplier of cobalt, crucial for electric vehicles. As American reliance on Congolese…