UNESCO links AI development with climate responsibility
At the Paris summit, industry leaders outlined practical ways to boost AI efficiency while advancing internal climate goals.
UNESCO has renewed calls for stronger international cooperation to ensure AI supports rather than undermines climate goals, as environmental pressures linked to AI continue to grow.
The message was delivered at the Adopt AI Summit in Paris, where sustainability and ethics featured prominently in discussions on future AI development.
At a Grand Palais panel, policymakers, industry leaders, and UN officials examined AI’s growing energy, water, and computing demands. The discussion focused on balancing AI’s climate applications with the need to reduce its environmental footprint.
Public sector representatives highlighted policy tools such as funding priorities and procurement rules to encourage more resource-efficient AI.
UNESCO officials stressed that energy-efficient AI must remain accessible to lower-income regions, mainly for water management and climate resilience.
Industry voices highlighted practical steps to improve AI efficiency while supporting internal sustainability goals. Participants agreed that coordinated action among governments, businesses, international organisations, and academia is essential for meaningful environmental impact.
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