A new report released on Tuesday has challenged the technology sector's claims that artificial intelligence (AI) will deliver significant climate benefits, finding that nearly three-quarters of such assertions lack solid evidence.
The study, authored by climate and energy analyst Ketan Joshi and commissioned by a coalition of environmental groups including Beyond Fossil Fuels, Friends of the Earth US and Green Web Foundation, reviewed 154 public statements arguing that AI would serve as a net benefit for the climate.
It found that 74% of those claims were unproven, often relying on weak or indirect evidence. Only 26% cited published academic research, while 36% provided no supporting evidence at all.
The analysis examined statements from major technology firms such as Google and Microsoft, as well as institutions including the International Energy Agency.
According to the report, proponents argue that AI-driven efficiencies will offset the increased fossil fuel demand from energy-intensive data centers. However, the researchers said they found no clear evidence that consumer-facing generative AI systems such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini or Microsoft's Copilot are delivering substantial, verifiable emissions reductions.
The study distinguishes between "traditional" AI applications — such as machine learning tools used to forecast wind patterns — and generative AI systems, which it says carry far greater energy and environmental costs. It argues that conflating the two amounts to a new form of greenwashing.
Ketan Joshi said tech firms were using vague sustainability claims to justify the rapid expansion of energy-hungry data centers, adding that such growth risked prolonging reliance on coal and gas.
Campaigners from the commissioning organizations called for mandatory transparency around AI companies' energy consumption and emissions, warning that the surge in large-scale data center construction is increasing pressure on power grids and local water supplies.
The report concludes that the accelerated growth of AI is increasing pressure on the climate, and Big Tech must take responsibility for mitigating its environmental impacts.
"Companies must disclose their energy consumption and emissions, and be transparent about the environmental and social justice impacts of their technologies, and whether data centres are really serving the critical needs of society," it added.
By Ebru Sengul Cevrioglu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
