The role of artificial intelligence in the climate crisis became a central and divisive topic at New York Climate Week. A major point of contention was the massive and growing energy and water footprint of AI data centers, which critics, including UN officials, argue is driving up pollution and energy costs. This concern has led to protests and growing public backlash against the tech industry.
Conversely, proponents argue that AI is a critical tool for developing climate solutions, such as optimizing power grids and accelerating scientific discovery. This debate is influencing investment trends, with climate-tech venture capital surging 55% to $26 billion in the first half of 2026, largely driven by startups supporting data center energy needs. However, this has also diverted capital from other emissions-focused areas like carbon management. Tech giants like Google and Meta were noted for their investments in renewable energy to power their data centers.