United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful call to action, urging global technology companies to transition their energy-intensive data centers to 100% renewable energy sources by the end of this decade. His appeal highlights growing concerns over the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies, which, while revolutionizing industries, are also significantly increasing global electricity demand.
Guterres acknowledged the positive potential of AI in transforming energy systems through enhanced efficiency, innovation, and resilience. However, he cautioned that these advancements come at a steep energy cost. According to the Secretary-General, a single large-scale data center can consume as much electricity as 100,000 households—a staggering statistic that underscores the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure.
As AI continues to expand into every sector, from healthcare and transport to climate monitoring and smart energy grids, the demand for computing power—and, by extension, energy—will only rise. Guterres emphasized that without a shift toward sustainable energy solutions, the benefits of AI could be overshadowed by its contribution to the global climate crisis.
He called on major tech firms to lead by example, advocating for a full transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, by 2030. Doing so, he noted, would not only reduce carbon emissions but also align with the global push to limit temperature rise and combat climate change.
The message is clear: the digital revolution must go hand in hand with the green energy transition. As the world races toward a future shaped by artificial intelligence, sustainability must remain at the heart of innovation.