How AI Could Hinder Our Climate Goals: Insights from New Reports – Inside Climate News

Rising electricity needs fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) are threatening our climate goals, according to recent reports. This surge is causing more reliance on fossil fuels and increasing emissions in the U.S. power sector, which, in turn, is contributing to extreme weather events.

Data centers that support AI are being built at a rapid pace, mainly driven by big tech firms. As these centers consume huge amounts of energy, utility companies are turning to fossil fuels to meet this demand. This shift is worrying. Experts had previously predicted only a steady increase in energy needs.

Prakash Sharma, from Wood Mackenzie, an energy consulting firm, notes that the transition to a green energy system is not as simple as adding more power. In fact, many countries—like Canada, Germany, and the U.S.—are not on track to meet their 2030 emissions goals. Sharma believes that only extraordinary commitments to renewable energy can help limit global warming to a safe level by 2060.

The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to keep the global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. Scientists say that achieving “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050 is necessary for this goal. In the U.S., the gap between current climate investments and what’s needed is the largest among major economies. The country would need to increase investment in emission reductions by a staggering 76% to reach net-zero targets.

Sharma highlights a shift in leadership on climate issues. While the U.S. is pushing for fossil fuel use, China is advancing in electric vehicles and solar energy. This shift makes it crucial to rethink how we power AI data centers. Currently, many of these centers run on fossil fuels, which could undermine climate goals. Reports from experts at the Center for Biological Diversity emphasize that if these fossil fuel-powered data centers continue to grow, other sectors must drastically cut emissions to make up for it.

Experts warn that this trend could hinder climate commitments at local levels too. For instance, North Carolina recently abandoned its climate goals in response to rising electricity demand. However, some believe that with proper guidelines, the energy needs of AI could actually support the growth of clean energy. McKenna Beck from the Natural Resources Defense Council suggests that while we face challenges, data centers could help promote renewable energy with the right incentives.

The rise in electricity demand linked to AI is a complex issue. Balancing energy needs while staying committed to climate goals is a challenge we must navigate carefully. Following the current trajectory may put our planet at risk, but with thoughtful policies and investment in renewables, we can still steer toward a more sustainable future.

For more insights on energy policy and its implications, you can read the reports by Wood Mackenzie and the International Energy Agency, which delve into these critical developments.

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