As artificial intelligence (AI) experiences unprecedented expansion, its environmental impacts are raising growing concerns. A joint report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Benchmarking Alliance warns about the surge in carbon emissions from the digital sector, driven by the rise of data centers and technological infrastructures.
Energy consumption exceeding the global average
Between 2017 and 2023, electricity consumption by data centers increased by 12% per year—a rate four times higher than the growth of global energy demand. These infrastructures, essential for the development and training of AI models, now represent a major energy sink.
Data collected in the report reveals that 166 digital companies alone generated 0.8% of global energy-related emissions in 2023. Ten of them account for half of the 581 terawatt-hours consumed by the entire sector, representing 2.1% of electricity used worldwide.
A surge in emissions among AI giants
Since 2020, direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) emissions from four major AI-focused companies have surged by an average of 150%. This figure reflects the growing environmental impact of training and deploying artificial intelligence models, which are often very energy-intensive.
In light of this trend, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU, reminds us that “the industry is aware of the challenge” and that concerted efforts are needed to maintain the momentum of carbon footprint reduction.
Progress in transparency and commitments
The report nonetheless notes advancements in terms of transparency and climate commitment. In 2024, eight companies achieved a score above 90% in assessing their sustainability strategies, compared to only three the previous year.
Nearly half of the evaluated companies have set carbon neutrality targets. Among them, 41 aim for a deadline of 2050, while 51 have committed to shorter timelines. The use of renewable energy is also progressing: 23 companies operated entirely on green sources in 2023, compared to 16 a year earlier.
Toward a climate strategy aligned with science
For the ITU, these efforts remain insufficient given the scale of the problem. The director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, emphasizes that “despite the progress, emissions continue to grow,” urging companies to adopt rigorous, transparent, and scientifically-based climate strategies.
As COP30 approaches, the report stresses the need for digital stakeholders to fully integrate climate considerations into their development plans. The sustainability of the sector now depends on accelerating the energy transition, massive adoption of renewable energies, and redefining priorities in the very design of technologies.
AI, as a driver of progress, could also become a lever for innovation towards a more sustainable digital landscape, provided that technology companies recognize their environmental responsibilities.