UNEP Official Highlights AI's Climate Benefits and Environmental Risks

Martin Krause, Director of the Climate Change Division at UNEP, highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities to address climate challenges through early weather warnings, renewable energy grid integration, and emission tracking. However, he cautioned that AI's high energy and water demands, especially from data centres, could exacerbate environmental issues if not managed with renewable energy and site-specific assessments. The remarks were made during the India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.