ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS EMBRACE AI , EVEN AS THEY WARN OF DATA CENTER IMPACTS

What happened: Environmental groups are using AI to analyze climate data, track wildfires and count wildlife, while warning that the data centers powering it drive up electricity demand, water use and emissions. Key numbers: IEA projects data centers will use about 945 terawatt-hours annually by 2030, double current use. Why it matters: Reuters interviewed 15 organizations; all use AI and all expressed concern about data center impacts. COP31 host Turkey will ask institutions to sign a pledge on sustainable AI development.

Environmental groups are using AI to analyze climate data, track wildfires and count wildlife, while warning that the data centers powering it drive up electricity demand, water use and emissions.

Reuters interviewed 15 organizations; all use AI and all expressed concern about data center impacts. COP31 host Turkey will ask institutions to sign a pledge on sustainable AI development.