Emissions rise as demand for power soars

Global emissions rise as demand for power soars

What you probably already know: A surge in demand for power is putting increased pressure on the grid and forcing utilities to seek out more fossil fuel sources to keep up. That demand —which is expected to rise by up to 29% by 2035 — is making the transition to renewable energy even harder, even as demand for renewables also rises. This year, greenhouse gas emissions will hit record levels and climate scientists are expecting increased flooding and heat waves as a result. That has prompted some to say that the U.S. and the world is faltering when it comes to efforts to curb climate change.

Why? Artificial intelligence systems, particularly large language models, are sucking up power just about as fast as it can be harnessed, putting pressure on the grid in ways no one anticipated. Meanwhile, globally, leaders are distracted by unrest and instability, making the focus on turning back climate changer harder to find. Wealthier countries have failed to keep promises made during the 2015 Paris Accord, and that has given poorer countries an excuse not to focus on climate change, either.

What it means: China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in the world, but also may hold the key to technology that could reduce climate emissions. The country processes enormous amounts of cobalt and lithium, which is used for batteries, and is the world’s largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines. In addition to exporting this technology. China is also installing many of these fixtures at home and has installed more solar panels in the last year than the U.S. has in its entire history.

What happens now? Business leaders and government officials are gathering this week in New York City for the UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, so expect to see stories and discussions on climate change, especially as the Southeast braces for Hurricane Helen, and Mexico and California are hit by Hurricane John.