AI’s Role in Climate Action Faces Scrutiny Amid Rising Energy Demands
The intersection of artificial intelligence and climate change is becoming increasingly complex, with concerns rising about the energy consumption required to power AI systems even as the technology is touted as a potential solution to environmental challenges. Discussions at the United Nations climate conference, COP30, currently underway in Belém, Brazil, reflect this tension.
The 30th annual “Conference of the Parties,” which convened on November 12, 2025, brings together leaders from nearly every country in the world – excluding the United States – to accelerate climate action. The event is particularly significant given the rapid transformation of both energy systems and international cooperation and the demand to address the planet’s warming, which has already reached 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial Revolution levels, fueling more frequent and severe climate disasters. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, ideally 1.5 degrees.
While AI offers potential benefits for climate mitigation, including optimizing energy grids and accelerating the development of low-carbon technologies, its own carbon footprint is drawing criticism. The surge in generative AI has led to a substantial increase in electricity demand, resulting in growing greenhouse gas emissions from companies involved in AI development. This dynamic has prompted questions about whether AI is truly a net positive for the environment.
Recent reports suggest that even prominent climate philanthropists are reassessing the risks associated with climate change while simultaneously promoting the advantages of AI. This shift in perspective, exemplified by a memo published just before COP30, underscores the evolving debate surrounding AI’s role in addressing the climate crisis. Jawa Pos reports that this situation is making UN climate talks “weird.”
Despite these concerns, experts believe AI can play a powerful role in supporting climate action and fostering sustainable economic growth. Research identifies five key areas where AI can contribute to an effective climate response. Estimates suggest that AI applications in the power, food, and mobility sectors – which collectively account for nearly half of global emissions – have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nature details these potential reductions.
However, these potential gains must be weighed against the emissions generated by the data centers that power AI-related activities. The expansion of global data centers, and claims by technology companies about AI as a climate solution, are facing scrutiny and accusations of “greenwashing.” Jawa Pos reported on this growing concern.
Japanese technologies, particularly in early warning systems and satellite imagery for climate monitoring, are positioned to play a key role in bridging AI solutions and international climate discussions, such as those at COP29. MRI highlights the potential of these technologies.
The debate surrounding AI and climate change underscores the need for a holistic approach that considers both the potential benefits and the environmental costs of this rapidly evolving technology. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, understanding and mitigating its carbon footprint will be crucial for achieving global climate goals.
