At COP30 in Brazil, artificial intelligence has become one of the summit’s most divisive issues, raising expectations about its climate potential while fueling concerns about energy use and environmental impact.
COP30 puts artificial intelligence at the center of global climate talks
At COP30, artificial intelligence is at the center of an intense debate between those who see it as a powerful tool against global warming and those who consider it a growing threat that needs strict oversight.
Technology companies and several countries participating in the negotiations discussed how AI could help slow the rise in global temperatures driven mainly by fossil fuels. According to these governments and companies, artificial intelligence could improve the efficiency of power grids, help farmers anticipate weather patterns, track migratory species in deep waters, and support the design and construction of more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
The Associated Press counted at least 24 AI focused sessions during the first week of the climate conference. One explored how nearby cities could share energy using AI, while another examined tools for predicting the location of forest crimes. The event also hosted the AI for Climate Action Award, which honored a project from Laos addressing water scarcity and climate variability.
The notion of “AI for good” has become a recurring theme at COP30. Supporters argue that artificial intelligence can help reduce emissions by improving efficiency in sectors such as transport and energy.
COP30 and the launch of the AI Climate Institute
Last week, the United Nations and the Brazilian government introduced the AI Climate Institute, a global initiative designed to promote artificial intelligence as a tool to help low income countries address environmental challenges. The initiative aims to equip people and institutions with the skills needed to use AI in support of climate action.
The AICI is expected to help these countries implement AI based climate solutions, including low energy models adapted to local contexts. The institute will offer training programs and courses on climate related AI applications across multiple sectors.
How COP30 highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to reduce global emissions
In June, a report by the London School of Economics presented an optimistic assessment of AI’s climate potential. According to the analysis, artificial intelligence could help cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tons over the next decade, even with its significant energy demand. The study focused on three key sectors, energy, food systems, and mobility, which together account for nearly half of global emissions.
Environmental concerns at COP30 over the rapid growth of artificial intelligence
A contrasting viewpoint centers on concerns that data centers may harm the environment due to their extremely high energy consumption. Environmental groups attending COP30 are urging governments to adopt rules aimed at reducing AI’s climate impact, including mandatory public interest tests for new data center projects and requirements for the exclusive use of locally produced renewable energy.
According to the IEA, data centers accounted for 1.5 percent of global electricity consumption in 2024. This demand has increased by almost 12 percent per year since 2017, a growth rate four times higher than total global electricity consumption.
The environmental footprint of artificial intelligence is closely tied to data center operations, which rely heavily on water in US states already facing water scarcity. These operations threaten US climate targets and risk increasing national emissions even further, with the country already the second largest emitter worldwide.
