AI poses risks but could be a valuable ally in the fight against climate change, says the UN climate chief

Climate change stands out as one of the major challenges facing our planet. As technologies evolve at a rapid pace, artificial intelligence (AI) finds itself at the crossroads of risks and opportunities. Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief, highlights the considerable potential of AI as a driver of efficiency in the fight against climate change, while emphasizing the need for strict government regulation. This dialogue between technological progress and environmental imperatives reveals a fragile balance to be struck.

The environmental issues of artificial intelligence in the fight against climate change

AI is now at the heart of efforts to improve energy management and reduce the carbon footprint of human activities. Intelligent systems contribute to optimizing electrical grids, better integrating renewable energies, and adapting consumption in real-time. This is a valuable asset in the fight against climate change, as it helps limit energy waste and direct investments towards more sustainable solutions.

However, this technological revolution also brings its share of risks. The operation of the infrastructures required for artificial intelligence, such as massive data centers, demands an enormous amount of energy consumption. Without a renewable supply, their environmental impact could negate their benefits. The UN Climate Chief has stressed that to fully leverage AI, these platforms must be powered by clean energy sources and their energy efficiency must be improved.

• Optimize microgrids using AI to meet local demand
• Analyze complex climate data sets to predict and mitigate risks
• Accelerate the transition to low-carbon technologies in industry
• Use AI for climate diplomacy, facilitating international decision-making
• Effectively regulate technology to limit its negative impacts

This logic of a reasoned use of AI is part of a responsible approach, where technology is not only a tool for progress but also a challenge to be framed, as explored by faceaurisque.com, whose reflection on risks and opportunities is essential to consider.

AI Application	Positive Environmental Impact	Associated Risk
Intelligent management of electrical networks	Reduction of energy loss, better balance between production and consumption	High energy consumption of servers
Optimization of industrial processes	Reduction of carbon emissions from heavy industries	Possible complexity and energy redundancy
Climate data analysis	Accurate forecasts and targeted actions	Increased dependence on digital technologies
AI-assisted climate diplomacy	Improved international cooperation	Information manipulation and geopolitical risks

To learn more about the risks associated with AI, this detailed report available at vie-publique.fr offers an illuminating overview.

How the UN is betting on AI to accelerate the global energy transition

The UN, through its Climate Change Secretariat, actively supports the development of AI-based tools to energize climate action. Simon Stiell highlights several important achievements, notably the use of AI to strengthen climate diplomacy and improve planning with accurate data.

The rapid growth in investments in renewable energies illustrates this dynamic: ten times more funds injected over ten years, totaling $2 trillion in a recent year alone. China, the European Union, India as well as several nations in Africa and Latin America are participating in this transition. Despite political obstacles, particularly in the United States, these dynamics show that the green economy is becoming central.

• Using AI for real-time management of microgrids
• Fine climate forecasting to guide territorial policies
• Identifying low-carbon industrial projects eligible for funding
• Supporting international negotiations through predictive analysis
• Mobilizing investors through reliable indicators

This rise of AI in the service of the climate is well documented in several studies such as those reported on unric.org and actu.ai.

Application Area	Concrete Example	Expected Impact
Intelligent microgrids	Adaptive local energy management in Africa	Reliability and integration of renewables
Low-carbon industry	Low-emission factories equipped with AI systems	Significant reduction of greenhouse gases
Spatial planning	Mapping of climate risks in Latin America	Precise actions and reduction of vulnerabilities

The main risks of AI identified in environmental and societal contexts

Despite its enormous potential, artificial intelligence faces threats that are far from negligible. The risks associated with AI concern not only the environment but also society as a whole. The energy consumption of data centers, the complexity of algorithms and their opacity, up to the risks of information manipulation, are among the major concerns.

In the environmental field, the race for computing power can lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions if the necessary electricity does not come from renewable sources. Furthermore, the associated digital pollution, often ignored, weighs heavily on the planet.

• High consumption of data centers and servers – significant carbon impact
• Risks related to algorithmic biases and erroneous decisions
• Malicious use, particularly in disinformation campaigns
• Access inequalities to technologies amplifying social disparities
• Regulatory complexity hindering the implementation of good ecological practices

The 13 risks identified by various specialist institutions are clearly presented in this resource: morethandigital.info. Understanding these risks is crucial to ensure safe and responsible use of AI.

Type of Risk	Description	Possible Consequence
Excessive Energy Footprint	Massive use of servers not powered by renewable energies	Increase in CO2 emissions and degradation of the environment
Algorithmic Bias	Decisions based on incomplete or erroneous data	Social injustices and political errors
Disinformation	Data manipulation to influence public opinion	Polarization and socio-political conflicts
Digital Inequalities	Inequitable access to AI technologies	Widening social gaps

Clear governance and the establishment of international standards are essential levers. The European Parliament proposes in this regard an in-depth reflection, accessible via europarl.europa.eu.

Initiatives to frame the use of AI and maximize its environmental benefits

For artificial intelligence to become a true ally in the fight against climate change, it is essential for governments to implement appropriate regulations. These measures must ensure the transparency of algorithms, promote the powering of data centers by renewable energies, and encourage innovation focused on energy efficiency.

Public and private projects can thus collaborate more closely to define a clear and binding framework. International cooperation remains essential, particularly with the approach of major climate events, such as COP30 scheduled in Brazil in November, which must spur enhanced commitment.

• Adoption of ecological standards for digital infrastructures
• Financial incentives for renewable data centers
• Encouragement of research on energy-efficient AIs
• Education and awareness programs for responsible AI usage
• Strengthening climate diplomacy through reliable AI tools

A pragmatic approach allows for balancing innovative use of AI with environmental preservation, as highlighted in the report available at informatecdigital.com.

Measure	Objective	Expected Impact
Ecological standards for data centers	Reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructures	Notable decrease in electricity consumption
Subsidies for renewable energy	Encourage clean power for servers	Support for sustainable digital development
Research on energy-efficient AI	Limit future energy requirements	Optimization of algorithms and hardware
Training for responsible use	Raise awareness among public and private stakeholders	Adoption of sustainable behaviors

Perspectives for fruitful collaboration between AI and climate action in the coming years

The future of the fight against climate change promises to be marked by an increasing commitment of artificial intelligence. The UN, while acknowledging the risks, insists on the potential of this technology to unleash human capabilities and support field action.

By leveraging technological advances, it becomes possible to manage resources more finely, pilot renewable projects, and better anticipate the impacts of climate disturbances. The combination of political, economic, and technological efforts is key to achieving sustainable success.

• Development of AI capable of integrating environmental data in real-time
• Strengthening international alliances through intelligent platforms
• Multiplication of local projects integrating AI in energy modernization
• Cooperation between public and private sectors to accelerate decarbonization
• Valuing AI as a catalyst for ecological innovation

Many regional, national, and international initiatives are underway, some supporting the modernization of heating and energy networks, a theme that remains a priority for reducing climate impact on a local scale: modernisation-chauffage-pierrelatte, coup-pouce-chauffage-batiments, devis-chauffage-fiabilite.