Simon Stiell spoke at the opening of the summit on accelerating industrialization in New York, which is part of the Industrial Transition Accelerator initiative launched at the UN Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai. The goal of this initiative is to stimulate the decarbonization of the world's largest polluters.
He emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) increases pollution caused by coal, oil, and gas, which warm the planet, and also raises energy costs for households and businesses.
Stiell stated that AI sector leaders are in a 'precarious position' as they are 'losing public support.' He added that 'tech giants must start demonstrating why the benefits of AI outweigh its exorbitant costs.'
Simon Stiell appealed to technology companies to take greater responsibility for climate action. He noted that 'if artificial intelligence can solve a mathematical problem in 90 years in just a few days, it can do much more to solve major climate problems.'
In particular, he highlighted the use of AI to enhance efforts to improve early warning systems for climate disasters or to accelerate grid efficiency.
Furthermore, the speaker stressed the importance of renewable energy, which allows avoiding millions in fossil fuel expenses. He recalled that last year, added renewable capacity reached a record high of 693 gigawatts.
He stated that any leader serious about fighting inflation, building a strong economy, and protecting their citizens must seriously address the reduction of fossil fuel use, which warms the planet and contributes to the climate crisis, and promote sustainability.
Recalling the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, Simon Stiell warned that this goal will not be achieved. He noted: 'It is already clear that this limit will be exceeded, at least temporarily.'
Nevertheless, he stressed that 'UN-stimulated cooperation and national efforts' have lowered the projected global temperature rise from over 4 degrees to 2.6 degrees. He expressed regret, calling it 'undeniable, though insufficient progress to prevent catastrophe.'
Simon Stiell highly praised Turkey's chairmanship of the next UN Climate Summit, Conference of the Parties (COP31), which will take place in Turkey. He noted that a goal has been set to achieve 35% of global energy consumption from electricity by 2035. COP31 will be held from November 9 to 20 in Antalya.
