Climate and AI Coalition

AlgorithmWatch CH’s new project envisions a world where technological progress and climate protection go hand in hand. This will enable a sustainable and equitable AI ecosystem guided by both the common good and planetary boundaries.

The Climate & AI Coalition brings together climate and AI stakeholders from Switzerland and Germany to jointly develop new narratives and evidence-based recommendations for action. Targeted advocacy work will help to anchor these recommendations in both the public debate and politically. Systemic behavioural changes at various levels will both raise awareness of the consequences of unsustainable AI and promote positive solutions for more climate-compatible AI.

The Climate and AI Coalition’s vision and our own climate narrative align: climate protection is not an end in itself, or one that competes with technological progress, but is rather the key to a liveable future.

This project demonstrates how a real-world problem straining our energy and infrastructure systems, and if left unchecked will worse, can be solved through a climate-focused approach. AI is consuming increasing amounts of electricity, water, and other resources. By 2030, the annual electricity consumption of data centres in Switzerland could double, rising from today’s 6–8% to as much as 15% of total consumption.

There is a significant policy vacuum surrounding AI. This project will bring together climate and tech stakeholders to create the evidence-based recommendations needed for a sustainable and equitable AI ecosystem guided by the common good and planetary boundaries. Just like climate protection writ large, this is what is needed to ensure our quality of life and security in the long term.