The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) is set to address the growing environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time. Kicking off in Baku, the event includes a dedicated ‘Digitalisation Day’, where industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates will discuss AI's environmental footprint and strategies for sustainable development.
Man using AI to monitor tree nursery. AI generated picture.
AI systems, which rely heavily on data centres that consume vast amounts of electricity, contribute to rising emissions. The World Economic Forum estimates that computing power for AI doubles approximately every 100 days. Major cloud providers, heavily invested in AI, have reported a 62% rise in greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, according to the UN’s Greening Digital Companies 2024 report.
UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas emphasised the need for a shift towards long-term sustainability thinking in the race for AI advancements. He noted that, while companies agree on the importance of sustainable AI, market pressures often overshadow these goals.
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At COP29, digital and environmental ministers will discuss integrating digital solutions into the core environmental agenda. Lamanauskas expressed hope that this collaboration could make digital technologies a central part of the environmental instability discussion, rather than a side topic.
While AI presents environmental challenges, it also offers opportunities for nature-forward solutions. AI can enhance monitoring and mitigation and even support alternative energy projects. Some firms are exploring sustainable options, such as powering data centres with nuclear energy or situating them underwater to reduce cooling needs.
Lamanauskas affirmed the need to optimise AI’s benefits for the environment, calling for sustainable practices that support both technological advancement and environmental goals.
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