# AI's climate case remains unproven

> AI's potential to cut emissions by 2035 hasn't been realized despite optimistic claims.
- Title: AI's climate case remains unproven · MIT Technology Review
- Summary: AI's potential to cut emissions by 2035 hasn't been realized despite optimistic claims.
- Keywords: ai emissions, climate projections, power sector, meat and dairy, transportation sector, oil and gas, data centers, renewable energy, ventures capital, emissions reduction, MIT Technology Review
- Source: MIT Technology Review — https://technologyreview.com/2026/11/09/1148166/the-climate-case-for-ai-has-not-been-made
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai emissions, climate projections, power sector, meat and dairy, transportation sector, oil and gas, data centers, renewable energy, ventures capital, emissions reduction, technology, science
## AI climate claims
AI companies and researchers claim AI could reduce global emissions 5% to 10% by 2030.
## 2035 emission projections
A 2023 study estimated AI could cut emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tons annually by 2035.
## Power sector potential
AI could increase renewable electricity from existing solar and wind by up to 20%.
## Power sector reality
Only one grid operator deployed meaningful AI programs to improve solar forecasting.
## Meat and dairy sector
AI needs to close taste and cost gaps between traditional proteins and alternatives.
## Meat and dairy progress
NotCo formed a joint venture with Kraft Heinz using AI to replicate animal product flavors.
## Meat and dairy challenges
Venture capital for cultivated meat fell from $989 million to $83 million in one year.
## Transportation sector
CATL cut battery screening time by two orders of magnitude using AI.
## Transportation progress
Didi Chuxing reduced per-trip emissions 16% through AI-optimized routing.
## Oil and gas concerns
Oil and gas companies also use AI to boost fossil fuel production.
## Data center emissions
Global data centers could exceed 300 million tons of emissions annually by 2035.
## Corporate climate goals
Tech companies are falling behind on climate targets due to AI energy use.
## Key takeaway

AI's climate benefits remain aspirational as companies fail to implement emissions-reducing AI solutions.