At the U.N. climate talks in Belem, Brazil, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword in the fight against global warming. Known as COP30, the conference has become a battleground for debates on AI’s potential to both combat and exacerbate climate change. Tech companies and several nations are championing AI as a transformative tool, capable of enhancing electrical grid efficiency, aiding farmers in weather prediction, tracking marine species, and designing resilient infrastructure. However, climate activists are raising alarms over AI’s environmental toll, particularly its escalating demand for electricity and water to power data centers and search operations. They argue that unchecked AI growth could derail global efforts to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement targets. Jean Su, energy justice director at the Center for Biological Diversity, labeled AI as ‘a completely unregulated beast,’ while Adam Elman, Google’s sustainability director, hailed it as ‘a real enabler.’ The conference featured at least 24 AI-related sessions, including discussions on AI-driven energy sharing between cities, forest crime prediction, and an award for an AI project addressing water scarcity in Laos. Despite its promise, AI’s environmental impact remains a pressing concern. Data centers, essential for AI operations, consume vast amounts of electricity and water, contributing significantly to emissions. The International Energy Agency reported that data centers accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption in 2024, with their energy use growing at 12% annually since 2017. Environmental groups at COP30 are advocating for stricter regulations, such as mandatory renewable energy use in data centers and public interest assessments for new facilities. As AI continues to evolve, its role in climate change remains a contentious issue, balancing immense potential with significant risks.
Artificial intelligence sparks debate at COP30 climate talks in Brazil
