UN Chief Urges AI Firms to Disclose Environmental Impact -

António Guterres has called on artificial intelligence companies to disclose the environmental costs of their operations, including carbon emissions, water usage, and land consumption, as concerns grow over the rapid expansion of AI-powered data centres.

Speaking at London Climate Action Week, Guterres proposed an AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, urging companies to improve reporting standards and commit to powering their facilities with renewable energy such as wind and solar by 2030.

He stressed that communities deserve greater transparency about the environmental impact of nearby infrastructure.

The UN warned that AI’s growing energy demands are increasing pressure on global electricity supplies. Data centres consumed about 1.5% of global electricity in 2025, a figure expected to nearly double by 2030.

A recent UN report also found that the energy, water use, and pollution linked to AI could double within four years.

Despite these concerns, Guterres said AI could still play a major role in advancing climate solutions by improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

He emphasized that accelerating renewable energy adoption and reducing dependence on fossil fuels remain essential to meeting global climate goals.-ERMD/TS

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