NVIDIA, a leading technology company, has promoted the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in addressing climate change. The company actively contributes to this effort by developing specialized chips that power AI systems. However, a new report highlights that the production and use of these chips have led to a significant increase in carbon emissions over the past six years. Despite this, NVIDIA has not provided precise figures on its emissions, though an independent analysis has estimated the scale of the impact.
According to the analysis, carbon emissions tied to the manufacturing of chips used in generative AI—systems that can create text, images, and other content—have risen by 725% since 2020. This increase amounts to 10.7 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, a measure used to compare the impact of various greenhouse gases. The report, titled "NVIDIA's climate hoax," was supported by several environmental organizations, including Beyond Fossil Fuels, Greenpeace International, and others. It argues that while NVIDIA benefits the most from the current boom in generative AI, it has been ranked last among AI-related companies in efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
The report also reviews statements made by NVIDIA and its executives, which often emphasize the company’s positive role in climate action. However, the findings suggest that NVIDIA's climate impact is substantial, and its efforts to decarbonize have lagged behind those of its peers. This study aligns with the work of Ketan Joshi, an environmental analyst who has previously raised concerns about greenwashing—when companies appear environmentally friendly but lack real action. Joshi has worked with a coalition of governmental organizations on similar analyses, including a 2026 report titled "The Climate Lie of AI."
Joshi’s report pointed out that despite claims that AI can help combat climate change, generative AI models are among the most energy-intensive. In contrast, more traditional AI models are better suited for environmental science applications and are more energy-efficient. This raises questions about whether the current focus on generative AI is truly aligned with the goal of reducing global emissions. The emissions from using NVIDIA's chips, which are not fully accounted for in the company's data, may be even greater than those from manufacturing.
NVIDIA's AI Chip Production Linked to Sharp Rise in Carbon Emissions
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