AI and Water Justice: Data Centers as Sites of Struggle
Author or publisher unknown · 2026-02-23
This JustWaterFutures February 2026 seminar was titled AI and Water Justice: Data Centres as Sites of Struggle and explored the ways in which communities across the Americas are rising up against data centers, their failure to consult directly with affected communities, and the massive ecological footprints they leave behind.
Author unknown. 2026-02-23. AI and Water Justice: Data Centers as Sites of Struggle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2aoqSs_Lx0 (AI & Environment Resource Hub; record video-193; collection snapshot 2026-09-15).
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In the Environmental Impacts of Data Centers 101 course, you will learn to analyze the environmental impacts of data centers using a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective that goes beyond what you see in the news. This will include energy, water, land use, carbon emissions, global supply chains, e-waste concerns, ecological impacts, and environmental justice case studies. Whether you work in tech, sustainability, policy, or are just curious about how AI systems operate behind the scenes, this course gives you the clarity and frameworks to understand these impacts from end-to-end.
Nathaniel Burola
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Water; Biodiversity and ecosystems; Built environment and infrastructure
This course will help you understand AI's climate implications and identify practical next steps within your organization. The course begins with demystifying the connection between AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), data centers, and energy and water demand. Then you will learn about AI's environmental footprint, the related environmental and community impacts, you will evaluate real-world applications of AI across climate adaptation, energy transition, and nature conservation, and understand the business and policy landscape shaping corporate decisions.
Coursera
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Water; Built environment and infrastructure
We believe that innovation and technological advancement are key to building 21st-century economies in the region. We partner with diverse organizations to fostering economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability.
Institute of the Americas
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Water; Built environment and infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform how water is managed. Yet, these emerging opportunities raise critical considerations around issues such as data governance, energy use, and the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure. To explore these challenges and opportunities, IWRA is launching a new webinar series: "The Promises and Challenges of AI, Data Centres & Freshwater Futures". Bringing together experts from around the world, the series examines the intersection of emerging technologies and water sustainability.
