AI CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT, EVEN THOUGH IT USES TREMENDOUS ENERGY

Artificial intelligence is often criticized for its substantial consumption of electricity and water—data centers powering AI now account for roughly 1.5% of global electricity usage, with projections showing that figure could double by 2030. Yet amid the concerns, researchers are discovering compelling ways in which AI itself may help tackle climate change and reduce environmental impact.

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Recent experiments and early deployments show AI systems being used to reduce energy consumption in buildings, optimise electric-vehicle charging schedules, support cleaner industrial processes and even reshape urban traffic flows to cut emissions. These applications demonstrate a paradox: the very technology that consumes large amounts of energy may become central to the systems that curb energy waste and greenhouse-gas output.

SMART BUILDINGS, EVS AND TRAFFIC: WHERE AI MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In the building sector—responsible for a significant portion of global emissions—AI is increasingly used to manage lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling. By analysing real-time data such as occupancy, weather, energy prices and internal system performance, intelligent controls can adjust systems dynamically, identify maintenance needs before failure, and optimise energy usage to match actual demand. Studies suggest buildings’ energy consumption can decline by between 10% and 30% through such measures.