Al Gore says AI risks are overstated and points to climate uses

In short: Al Gore said concerns about AI causing major new climate pollution are being overstated, and he argued the technology could help cut emissions if it is regulated.

What happened

Former US vice-president Al Gore said artificial intelligence could be a net positive for the climate, even as worries grow about the electricity and water used by data centres (large buildings full of computers that run online services).

Speaking around the release of a sustainability trends report from Generation Investment Management, the investment firm he co-founded, Gore said emissions linked to AI should be “put in perspective.” He told the Financial Times that AI’s energy use is a “cause for concern but not panic.” He compared the total emissions from AI data centres to emissions from uncovered landfills worldwide, and said AI’s share is only a fraction.

Gore also pointed to research suggesting AI could reduce more pollution than it creates, by helping make power grids, transport systems, and food supply chains more efficient. One estimate from the Grantham Institute said AI could cut global emissions by up to 5.4 billion tonnes a year by 2035.

Still, Gore acknowledged risks beyond climate. He said the fast pace of AI development means governments need to regulate it so it can be developed and used safely. He also called for cooperation between the US and China on both AI and climate risks.

Why it matters

AI systems often run in data centres that consume large amounts of electricity, like turning on a new set of factories that never sleep. Gore’s comments highlight a debate that affects everyday life, whether AI will mostly add to energy demand, or help reduce waste and speed up the shift to cleaner power. The answer could influence electricity bills, local water use near data centres, and how quickly countries cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Financial Times