Archive · 18 Nov 2025
AI Divides COP30: Hero or Villain in Climate Fight?
At the COP30 climate talks in Brazil, some people think artificial intelligence (AI) can help fight global warming.
They say AI can make things like electricity grids and farming better.
But other people are worried.
They say AI uses a lot of electricity and water, which hurts the environment.
They want rules to stop this from happening.
AI praised for potential in solving global warming issues
Climate groups warn of AI's growing environmental impact
AI's electricity and water demands raise concerns
Tech companies and countries promote AI's climate benefits
Environmental groups push for regulations to mitigate AI's footprint
- Who
- Tech companies, countries, climate groups, and environmentalists
- What
- Debating AI's role in climate change
- When
- At the COP30 climate talks in Brazil
- Where
- Belem, Brazil
- Why
- To discuss AI's potential and risks in addressing global warming
AI as a Solution
AI as a Problem
AI's Potential
AI as a Solution
AI can increase efficiency in various sectors and help track climate change impacts.
AI as a Problem
AI's environmental footprint is growing, with increasing electricity and water demands.
AI's Environmental Impact
AI as a Solution
AI can help solve global warming issues.
AI as a Problem
AI's energy consumption contributes to emissions and water usage in water-stressed areas.
- Number of AI-related sessions in the first week
- 24
- Estimated electricity consumption by data centers in 2024
- 1.5% of the world’s total
- Annual growth rate of data centers' electricity consumption since 2017
- around 12%