A study conducted by the London School of Economics and Systemiq has revealed that it is indeed feasible to reduce global carbon emissions while maintaining modern comforts, thanks in part to artificial intelligence (AI). Their research indicates that AI applications across just three industries could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes annually by 2035. Surprisingly, these reductions exceed the estimated emissions produced by AI technologies.
The study, titled “Green and Intelligent: The Role of AI in the Climate Transition,” emphasizes that AI can be more than a tool for marginal improvements; it has the potential to transform the economy into a sustainable and inclusive model. This transition to a net-zero economy is framed not as a burden, but as an opportunity for innovation and growth. Focusing on three major sources of carbon emissions—power generation, meat and dairy production, and passenger vehicles—the researchers estimate that AI-derived savings from these sectors could outweigh the emissions from AI data centers, which are projected to be around 0.4 to 1.6 billion tonnes annually.
The authors underscore the importance of leveraging AI in the climate transition, stating, “the case for using AI for the climate transition is not only strong but imperative.”
AI can enhance complex systems by optimizing energy production and consumption, accelerate the development of new technologies to meet net-zero goals, and assist in making informed choices that can significantly reduce emissions. Additionally, AI can predict climate changes and inform effective policies, and provide early warnings during extreme weather events, ultimately saving lives. However, to realize AI’s potential in cutting global carbon emissions, active government involvement is necessary.
This includes creating incentives for sustainable AI research, implementing regulations to minimize environmental impact, and investing in infrastructure. By guiding technology innovation through collaborative efforts, it is possible to harness AI’s full capabilities to combat the climate crisis and foster a sustainable future for all.