Leaders from Government, Business and International Organisations make Commitment to Sustainable AI

The Growth of AI 

The term ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) was first introduced in 1956 at the Dartmouth Conference by John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon. It refers to technology that enables machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy. 

AI development has rapidly picked up over the past ten years, with its influence on society ever-growing. This is a result of exponential improvements in the cost and performance of computing hardware, such as the falling costs of Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) and continuous improvement in the algorithms used to train AI models. 

The sector has attracted significant investment that continues to grow from both public and private sources. Since July 2024, the United Kingdom’s (UK) AI sector has attracted an average of £200mn in private investment a day. This week, the European Union (EU) launched InvestAI, an initiative to mobilise €200bn for investment in AI, including a new European fund of €20bn for AI gigafactories. 

The Implications of AI for the Low-Carbon Transition  

AI has emerged as a powerful tool for climate mitigation and adaptation, for example by optimising the operation of energy grids, greatly enhancing energy efficiency and improving early warning systems with advanced monitoring and forecasting capabilities.  

However, the growing energy demands of AI could hinder its efficacy as a tool for emissions reduction.  

According to analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA), investment in data centre construction has doubled in the past two years in the United States of America (USA) alone. In large economies, such as China, the EU, the UK and USA, data centres are estimated to account for 2-4% of electricity demand. As AI advances and its applications increase, its hunger for energy must be addressed.  

In December, the IEA hosted its first Global Conference on Energy & AI as part of its new initiative Energy for AI & AI for Energy. It engaged the energy industry, tech sector and policy makers in dialogue on the potential implications of AI in the energy sector.  

Earlier this week, on 11-12 February, France hosted the AI Action Summit, co-chaired by India. Representatives from governments, international organisations, private companies, social partners, civil society and academia, research and culture met to push forward a global consensus on an ethical approach to developing AI that serves public interest and is accessible to all.  

At the Summit, IEA Executive Director Fatih Barol addressed 300 leaders from governments and industry, highlighting the deep links between AI and energy and the need for stronger multi-stakeholder cooperation. 

“There is no AI without energy – specifically electricity. Thousands of data centres are set to be built in the next five years. But our analysis at the IEA shows that unless the energy industry, tech sector and governments collaborate to deliver the necessary power infrastructure, many projects could be delayed or even cancelled,” Dr Birol said. “That is why bringing together companies and energy policy makers is so strategic and important, and why the IEA will continue to work with leaders around the world on this essential issue.” 

During the speech, Dr Birol announced that the IEA will launch a new Observatory on Energy, AI and Data Centres on 10 April. The Observatory will gather the most comprehensive and recent data worldwide on AI’s electricity needs, in addition to tracking cutting-edge AI applications across the energy sector. 

63 signatories, including 61 countries, the EU and African Union Commission affirmed making AI sustainable for people and the planet as a key priority in the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet. However, the UK and USA were notable absences on the signatory list. 

It was also announced at the Summit that France, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will lead the Coalition for Environmentally Sustainable AI. The Coalition, which includes leading technology companies and international organisations, has the support of ten countries – including the UK– and “aims to strengthen sustainable AI’s place in the global discussion around AI in much the same way AI security or AI ethics are studied”. 

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Join us on the Road to COP30 

On 29th April, the Sustainable Investment Forum Europe will return for its eighth year in Paris. In partnership with the UN Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the Forum will convene finance stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the sustainable finance market in Europe. This year, it will also explore how AI is reshaping the ESG landscape in a dedicated session focusing on how it can enhance transparency and accountability in sustainable investing, while addressing key challenges.  

London Climate Action Week is a focal point on the climate calendar, gathering the international climate community. The Climate Innovation Forum is a key moment during the week, providing a platform for the innovative ecosystem at London’s historic Guildhall. Be sure to attend the Climate Leader Insight on how AI is transforming the climate transition, unlocking new solutions and accelerating progress toward a sustainable future.   

Meanwhile, the Climate Action Coalition’s AI & Digitalisation Taskforce will unite industry leaders and key international organisations to explore the unmatched potential of AI and digitalisation, as tools to mitigate and adapt to climate change. From policy to technology, this taskforce will drive collaboration and scale up the transfer of innovative solutions that can transform our global response to the climate crisis.