Environmental groups embrace AI, even as they warn of data center impacts

Environmental groups are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their work, despite acknowledging the technology's potential environmental drawbacks. These organizations utilize AI to analyze climate data, monitor forest fires, and count endangered wildlife, ultimately aiding in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

However, this dual approach has created a dilemma: while AI can expedite and enhance conservation efforts, its use also contributes to a surge in electricity demand, water consumption, and greenhouse-gas emissions. To address this, environmental groups must carefully weigh the benefits of AI against its environmental impacts, a challenge that is expected to be a focal point at the upcoming U.N. COP31 climate conference.

Brief written by urgent.news from Japan Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.