UN asks AI companies to share environmental data and use clean energy

UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched an AI environmental transparency initiative at London Climate Action Week. He asked major AI companies to fully share how their data centers impact the environment and promise to use renewable energy by 2030. Data centers are growing fast to support AI but share little environmental info, drawing more attention from green groups.

Guterres warned that by 2030, data centers could use more electricity than most countries, with only five nations using more. Their water use might equal the basic needs of 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa for a year. He called on AI firms to track and share their water use, carbon emissions, and land use.

Right now, AI companies rely on voluntary net-zero promises and renewable energy goals to cut emissions. Some are turning to natural gas or nuclear power. Guterres criticized calls for more fossil fuel use and said expanding clean energy is a fast way to reduce emissions. He also launched a methane reduction push, asking fossil fuel firms to fix leaks and stop routine burning.