Introduction
In a speech at the London Climate Action Week (LCAW) on Wednesday (23/6), UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on artificial intelligence companies to be more transparent about their environmental footprint. He also emphasized that both the climate crisis and the energy crisis are fueled by the same destructive source: fossil fuels.
“Enough of hidden costs. Enough of imposing this burden on the most vulnerable. If AI wants to contribute to building a better future, it needs to be honest about its current cost”, he urged, at a time when Europe is again suffocating under a heat wave.
The AI Environmental Transparency Initiative
Guterres announced the launch of the AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which requires large AI companies to disclose their environmental footprint, including carbon emissions, water consumption, and land use to power their operations, among other indicators. The initiative also proposes that companies commit to powering their facilities with 100% renewable energy by 2030.
A UN study concluded that data centers installed around the world consumed more electricity in 2025 than all countries, except for ten. And by 2030, they may consume more energy than all countries, except for five.
Environmental Impact of AI
The survey highlights that water and energy consumption and pollution associated with AI are expected to double in just four years. This underscores the urgent need for action to reduce the environmental impact of AI and ensure that its contribution to sustainable development is maximized.
Conclusion
The demand for transparency on the environmental cost of artificial intelligence is a crucial step to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and sustainable manner. The UN initiative is a call to action for AI companies and the global community to work together to reduce the environmental impact of AI and build a more sustainable future.
Source / Reference
Source: ClimaInfo