Artificial intelligence will be crucial in tackling the climate crisis, but governments must regulate the technology to mitigate its dangers, the UN's climate chief has said. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, argued that AI can improve energy efficiency and reduce industrial carbon emissions, while the UN itself uses AI to aid climate diplomacy.
However, Stiell warned of the growing energy demands of large data centres, urging governments to act. 'AI is not a ready-made solution, and it carries risks. But it can also be a gamechanger. So we now need to blunt its dangerous edges, sharpen its catalytic ones, and put it astutely to work,' he said. He called for AI platforms to be powered by renewables and for innovation to drive energy efficiency.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Stiell offered an upbeat assessment of global climate action, noting that investment in renewables has increased tenfold in a decade, reaching $2tn last year. He said the world was 'aligning with the Paris agreement', despite geopolitical tensions and opposition from the Trump administration.
Stiell highlighted that over 90% of new renewables cost less than the cheapest fossil fuel option, but acknowledged that the benefits of the clean energy transition are not yet reaching households. He stressed the need for faster progress, as governments are due to submit updated national climate plans ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil.
He defended climate diplomacy against criticism, stating: 'The world is still rock-solid behind Paris, and fully onboard for climate cooperation – because it works, and together we will make it work faster.'
