Turkey Proposes Artificial Intelligence as an Ally in the Fight Against Climate Crisis at COP31.
The 2026 edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), to be held in Turkey, promises to place artificial intelligence (AI) at the center of discussions as a potential tool to mitigate global warming. Despite the growing energy and water consumption associated with the data centers that power AI, the host country has launched a voluntary initiative to steer the development and use of this technology in a more sustainable way.
The Turkish proposal aims to create an environment where AI can be leveraged to accelerate climate action while addressing the environmental impacts of its own expansion. The conference, scheduled for November 2026 in Antalya, seeks an open dialogue about AI’s energy demand, with the goal of encouraging the use of clean energy by major technology firms and promoting greater transparency about data center consumption.
A Voluntary Commitment for AI Sustainability
The “Antalya Artificial Intelligence Commitment,” announced in Turkey, invites nations and organizations to join a collective effort. The initiative outlines four key priorities: building AI infrastructure sustainably, responsibly managing AI solutions throughout their lifecycle, supporting the assessment and disclosure of their environmental impacts, and strengthening financing and technical infrastructure for climate‑beneficial use.
The expectation is that this commitment will serve as a starting point for countries and companies to collaborate on a global urgency. The designated COP31 president and Turkish Climate Minister, Murat Kurum, highlighted in September the need for governments to create the conditions to discuss AI’s energy consumption.
“We need to openly discuss the growing energy consumption of AI, and it’s time for governments to start creating the necessary conditions.”
Challenges and Opportunities in a Delicate Energy Landscape
The COP31 is taking place amid volatility in energy markets and growing concerns over security and resource competition. Rising demand for energy and water from data centers has sparked opposition, affecting digital infrastructure investment. Yet, AI investments remain among the fastest-growing worldwide, with projections indicating a significant increase in electricity consumption by AI-focused data centers.
Observers note that while the Turkish initiative is heading in the right direction, it still lacks stronger accountability mechanisms and the inclusion of affected communities. Transparency about environmental impacts—including carbon, water, and soil footprints—has been a frequent demand from international bodies such as the UN. The Turkish proposal, however, represents an important step toward starting this crucial debate in the global climate arena.