UN Climate Chief: AI Will Help Tackle Global Heating Despite Risks

Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN framework convention on climate change, has declared that artificial intelligence will be instrumental in tackling the climate crisis, whilst emphasising the urgent need for government regulation. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN general assembly in New York, Stiell outlined AI’s dual nature as both a climate solution and potential risk.

Context and Background

Stiell highlighted AI’s current applications in climate action, including optimising energy systems for greater efficiency and developing tools to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes. The UN itself is leveraging AI to enhance climate diplomacy efforts, demonstrating the technology’s growing importance in environmental governance.

However, concerns over the substantial energy requirements of large datacentres have prompted calls for regulatory intervention. “AI is not a ready-made solution, and it carries risks. But it can also be a gamechanger,” Stiell explained, urging major AI platform operators to power their systems with renewables and innovate for energy efficiency.

The UN climate chief emphasised that “done properly, AI releases human capacity, not replaces it,” highlighting its potential for managing microgrids, mapping climate risk, and guiding resilient planning initiatives.

Looking Forward

Stiell’s comments come as governments prepare fresh national commitments on carbon reduction ahead of the crucial Cop30 climate summit in Brazil this November. He provided an optimistic assessment of global climate progress, noting that renewable energy investment has increased tenfold over the past decade, reaching £1.5 trillion last year alone.

The timing is particularly significant as world leaders face mounting pressure to accelerate climate action whilst navigating complex technological transitions. Stiell’s advocacy for regulated AI development reflects growing recognition that emerging technologies must be harnessed responsibly to address the climate emergency effectively.

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