The United Nations has called on major AI firms to provide greater transparency about the environmental consequences of their rapidly expanding data centres, warning that the sector’s growing demand for electricity and water could significantly undermine global climate goals.
Speaking during London Climate Action Week, Secretary-General António Guterres said the world needs a clearer picture of the resources consumed by AI infrastructure particularly as the technology continues to expand at an unprecedented pace.
He noted that by the end of the decade, data centres supporting AI systems could consume more electricity than nearly every country on earth and require vast quantities of water, placing additional pressure on already strained resources.
To address these concerns, Guterres unveiled the United Nations’ AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, which seeks to encourage technology companies to publicly report the environmental effects of their operations, including carbon emissions, water consumption and land use.
He also called on the industry to ensure that all AI-related data centres operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030, arguing that innovation must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
According to the UN chief, artificial intelligence can contribute to solving global challenges, but companies must be transparent about the environmental costs associated with developing and deploying the technology.
Many technology firms have pledged to reduce emissions and increase their use of clean energy, although some continue to explore alternative power sources, including natural gas and nuclear energy, to meet growing electricity demands.
Guterres warned that international efforts to limit climate change remain insufficient and criticised proposals that advocate expanded reliance on fossil fuels.
He stressed that accelerating investment in renewable energy projects and increasing electrification across transportation, buildings and industrial sectors remain among the most effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The UN Secretary-General also launched a new appeal aimed at cutting methane emissions, calling on oil and gas companies to repair leaks, eliminate routine gas flaring and adopt globally recognised scientific standards for monitoring emissions.
Describing methane as one of the most powerful contributors to climate change, he said reducing emissions from the fossil fuel sector would play a critical role in slowing global warming.
Guterres further announced plans to convene world leaders in September ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where discussions will focus on accelerating a fair and orderly transition away from fossil fuel dependence.
Goodness Anunobi
Follow us on:
