AI’s Dual Role: A Power-Hungry Technology with the Potential to Slash Global Emissions

From Energy Consumers to Efficiency Experts, AI Could Help Offset Its Own Environmental Impact

Illustration of a smart home integrating AI technology for energy efficiency, showcasing the potential for reduced energy consumption and sustainable living.

Artificial intelligence, often criticized for its high energy consumption and associated carbon footprint, is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. While the technology is known for its voracious appetite for electricity, it also holds the potential to drastically reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions across a wide range of industries. From optimizing transportation routes to improving building efficiency and advancing sustainable material development, AI is proving to be a double-edged sword—capable of both consuming and conserving energy.

In the transportation sector, AI-driven route planning has already helped major U.S. freight companies reduce fuel use by up to 10%, with the potential to cut the entire ground-freight industry’s emissions by 10% to 15%. AI systems analyze real-time traffic data, guiding vehicles away from congested areas to reduce fuel wasted on stop-and-go driving. According to Texas A&M University, Americans wasted 3.3 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel in 2022 due to traffic congestion alone. Meanwhile, AI is also transforming the aviation and maritime industries. Airlines are using AI to analyze wind conditions in real time, optimizing routes and altitudes to minimize fuel use. For example, AI can identify the best airspeed and altitude for a flight and even recommend the most suitable aircraft type for specific weather conditions. In the maritime sector, AI is helping ships “slow steam” to improve fuel efficiency—reducing speed by 10% can cut fuel use by 20%. At ports, AI-assisted scheduling is reducing waiting times and fuel consumption, with some ships burning as much as seven to 10 tons of fuel per day while anchored.

In the building sector, AI is being used to manage energy systems more efficiently. Smart systems can adjust lighting, heating, and cooling based on real-time occupancy, significantly reducing energy use. For example, sensors can detect when a building is nearly empty and automatically shut down certain elevators or turn off unnecessary lights. AI-powered HVAC systems can precool buildings ahead of forecasted heatwaves to lower energy use. Smart window-shading systems can respond to sun angles to avoid glare and reduce heating effects in summer months. Additionally, AI helps buildings generate and store their own power, using renewable sources more effectively and reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy. AI can charge a building’s batteries when electricity rates are low and tap into them during peak demand times, such as late afternoon and early evening when solar energy is fading.

Beyond infrastructure, AI is also accelerating the development of eco-friendly materials through advanced simulations and predictive modeling. This innovation could lead to faster discovery of sustainable alternatives for construction, manufacturing, and petrochemicals. For example, AI can calculate the properties of new materials based on their chemical composition and structure, speeding up the research and development process. This could lead to the creation of materials that replace conventional ones in areas like construction, reducing the environmental impact of production processes.

AI is also aiding in the preservation and restoration of natural carbon sinks, such as forests, by analyzing satellite imagery and identifying the most effective areas for reforestation and soil restoration. Remote-sensing systems can detect disease and pests early, minimizing crop and forestland losses. AI can study soil quality to remediate erosion and land degradation, enhancing the natural carbon-collection properties of the soil.

Despite its promise, the path to a low-carbon AI future is not without challenges, including privacy concerns and the need for ethical considerations. For example, AI systems that monitor building occupancy or track consumer behavior raise questions about data privacy and consent. However, the potential for AI to offset its own environmental impact is vast, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of climate technology.

According to the International Energy Agency, the spread of AI in the transportation sector alone could slash 900 million metric tons of carbon emissions by 2035. In comparison, emissions from data-center electricity use are expected to rise to 300 to 500 million metric tons by 2035, up from 180 million metric tons today. This suggests that AI’s potential to reduce emissions in other sectors could easily outweigh its own energy demands.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in climate technology will become increasingly important. By addressing the challenges and maximizing the benefits, we can harness this powerful tool to create a more sustainable future.