Adam Fitzpatrick discusses data center demand and environmental concerns

Adam Fitzpatrick says the distribution of resources and their effect on ecosystems are central questions regarding the common good. Speaking on the rise of data center development in the United States, Fitzpatrick addressed the environmental costs associated with these facilities.

Fitzpatrick serves as the social mission outreach coordinator for the Center for Mission, which supports the missionary work of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He also provides staff support for the Minnesota Chapter of the Laudato Si’ Movement. He noted that Catholic social teaching has focused heavily on the concept of integral ecology over the last few decades.

These discussions occur as Minneapolis city officials prepare to review zoning rules for data centers this fall. Additionally, a developer from Virginia recently stopped a proposal to convert the former Minnesota Star Tribune Heritage Center printing plant in the North Loop neighborhood into a data center following public opposition.