Artificial Intelligence and Climate: Is It a Real Solution?

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a central theme at the UN climate conference in Antalya. While technology giants frequently highlight AI’s potential to reduce global emissions by 5% to 10% by 2030, real-world industrial practices remain far from these promises.## Expectations and RealityAccording to academic research, AI could theoretically reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes annually by 2035. This potential is primarily focused on three sectors: energy, food production, and transport. However, current analysis shows that major companies are acting very slowly in these areas.In the energy sector, AI could increase the integration of solar and wind energy into the grid by 20%, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, only a few companies globally are actually using this technology. An exception is the UK’s National Grid ESO, which has halved its solar energy forecasting error with the help of AI.## Challenges in Food and TransportIn the food industry, AI is being used to improve the taste and texture of alternative proteins, such as plant-based products. However, investments in this area are declining, and consumer demand is stagnating. The situation is more promising in the transport sector: for example, CATL has used AI to radically reduce battery development time, while Didi Chuxing has cut emissions by 16% through route optimisation.## Risks and ChallengesAnother issue is that oil and gas companies are using AI to increase fossil fuel extraction. Furthermore, the AI infrastructure itself—data centres—consumes vast amounts of energy. Companies like Google and Microsoft have already acknowledged that their climate goals are being jeopardised by the development of AI.Artificial intelligence is not a magic wand that will stop climate change on its own. The environmental benefits of the technology will only materialise if industries use it purposefully and in accordance with sustainable principles. Otherwise, the development of AI may cause more harm to the planet than good.