OpenAI’s George Osborne says datacentre nimbys holding back Britain
Published
What's this about?
Former chancellor, now senior figure at OpenAI, says UK needs datacentres to maintain ‘sovereignty’ over AI tech UK politics live – latest updates Datacentre nimbys are holding Britain back, George Osborne has said in reaction to nationwide protests about the giant water- and energy-guzzling structu
The one-panel cartoon
Read the cartoon's script
A datacentre proposal meeting in a local community hall, with residents holding signs that read 'Save Our Water!' and 'No Datacentres in Our Backyard!'
Caption: George Osborne: 'Only datacentres can save Britain from datacentre nimbys.'
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theguardian.com.
Editor's note
George Osborne's remarks highlight the tensions between technological ambition and public concerns, underscoring the complex challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental and community impacts. As the debate rages on, it's clear the UK must find a path that respects sovereignty and sustainability.
Rate this comic
Read the script
Panel 1
*Alex stands at a small, cluttered workbench surrounded by tech gadgets and AI prototypes. Sam is sitting at a desk nearby, staring at a laptop screen with a look of mild exasperation. Robin is sprawled on the floor, reading a newspaper with a headline that reads * *Alex:* (enthusiastically) Sam, Robin! OpenAI’s George Osborne says datacentres are key for our AI future!
Alex: Datacentres Needed for AI Sovereignty.
Panel 2
*Sam looks up, rolling his eyes, while Robin jumps up, waving the newspaper around.* *Robin:* (excitedly) Sovereignty over AI! Who needs datacentres when we have a hamster-powered generator? *Sam:* (deadpan) And who needs clean air when you have a datacentre?
Panel 3
*Alex grins, holding a prototype AI gadget.* *Alex:* (optimistically) Let’s make a compact, energy-efficient AI hub! We can power it with a cup of coffee! *Robin:* (nodding) And maybe a hamster wheel or two! *Sam:* (sighing) Or we could just convince everyone datacentres are necessary... *Robin:* (laughing) Or we could start a hamster uprising! *Alex:* (cheerfully) Now that’s an idea worth investing in!
Comments