Al gore highlights industry warnings over AI risks, not just data center emissions

Al Gore, a prominent climate advocate, emphasized that the greatest AI risk lies in the warnings from industry leaders, not just data center emissions. In an interview with TechCrunch, Gore stated that while AI data centers are a concern, their emissions are a fraction of those from landfills and air conditioning. He noted that global air conditioning already consumes more electricity than the entire European Union and is expected to triple by 2050. Gore also criticized the use of methane turbines by some hyperscalers, warning that building new gas plants locks in fossil fuel reliance. He praised companies moving toward renewables and batteries, which he believes are now the cheapest option. Gore linked public opposition to data centers to fears of job loss and societal disruption, citing warnings from OpenAI and Anthropic. He endorsed recent calls for slowing AI development, calling the warnings sincere. Gore also highlighted a study by Nicholas Stern suggesting AI could reduce global emissions by 6-9% annually starting next decade. Meanwhile, Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management focused on investment opportunities in AI-related clean energy and grid resilience.