UN Asks AI Firms to Disclose Data Center Environmental Impact

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on June 23, speaking at London Climate Action Week, that AI companies should measure and publish the environmental impact of their data centers—including carbon emissions, water use and land use—and pledge to run all data centers on 100% renewable energy by 2030. "If AI is to build a better future, we must be honest about its costs today," Guterres said. Alongside the remarks, the UN launched the AI Environmental Transparency Initiative.