A report released on February 17 by climate nonprofits Beyond Fossil Fuels and Climate Action Against Disinformation analyzed claims from 154 industries and organizations about the climate benefits of AI. The study, authored by energy analyst Ketan Joshi, determined that 74% of these claims lack verifiable evidence. Researchers warn that the energy-intensive nature of generative AI could actually increase global emissions.
The analysis examined statements from technology companies and institutional sources. They found that the environmental benefits often cited by proponents have much to do with older, leaner forms of machine learning, rather than the generative AI tools currently driving data center expansion. The report does not identify any instances where consumer applications such as Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot have led to substantial and verifiable reductions in emissions.
The researchers reviewed an International Energy Agency report that was reviewed by industry giants. The study showed that the IEA’s assessment of AI’s climate impact was evenly divided between academic sources, corporate documents, and unsubstantiated claims. A frequently cited prediction in the industry – that AI could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 5-10% by 2030 – has been found to be “contested”.
Ketan Joshi characterized the industry’s focus on climate change solutions as a departure from the environmental impact of data centers. “What we are seeing is companies significantly deviating from their climate goals,” Joshi wrote. “Focusing on ‘AI for climate change’ distracts from the decision to exacerbate data center pollution through unprecedented digital bloat.”
Big technology companies are facing increased scrutiny over the environmental impact of their AI investments. Google reported a 48% increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2019 and 2023, with data center energy consumption being the primary driver of that increase. Microsoft acknowledged a 29% increase in emissions since 2020, citing the construction of facilities “designed and optimized to support AI workloads.”
Operational data shows a significant increase in energy demand associated with AI tools. Research shows that a single ChatGPT query uses approximately 10 times more power than a traditional Google search. Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2030, data centers will account for 8% of total electricity usage in the United States, up from 3% in 2022. This change is primarily driven by the proliferation of AI.
The coalition behind the report, including Stand.earth, Friends of the Earth US, and Green Web Foundation, calls for greater transparency around energy use and accountability for unverified environmental claims. They advocate for stricter reporting standards to address the disconnect between reported emissions and the industry’s stated climate goals.
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