AI for a Greener and Stronger Europe

Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff

I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Image Source: Vlad Hilitanu

The European Union seeks to become carbon neutral by 2050 while becoming more competitive and productive globally. To meet these two goals, there must be transformative technologies, and among them, artificial intelligence (AI) is a top enabler. A new policy guide titled The AI Opportunity for Europe's Climate Goals illustrates how AI can be used to serve the EU's green economy transition while driving its economic growth.

AI’s Potential to Cut Emissions

Research suggests that AI could help reduce 5–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 equivalent to the entire annual emissions of the EU. Generative AI alone could contribute an estimated €1.2 trillion to the European economy over the next decade. In industries such as construction and manufacturing, AI can optimize operating efficiency and save energy by 20–40%, particularly for large buildings. Moreover, AI-based solutions already optimize transportation and logistics, minimizing fuel use and emissions throughout supply chains.

Three Pronged Strategy

In order to realize the potential of AI, there needs to be a strategic policy framework. The roadmap suggests a three pronged strategy: Enable, Deploy, and Guide. "Enable" means making high quality data accessible, and investing in technologies like cloud computing and training centers for AI, and also building digital capability. "Deploy" needs huge public private collaboration to use AI in industries from energy to disaster preparedness, agriculture, etc. "Guide" is committed to policy advice to make the use of AI more responsible, from decarbonizing data centers to transparency.

Cross-Sector Benefits

Several sectors can be impacted significantly by AI to benefit the climate. For instance, AI-based precision agriculture can minimize water usage and prevent fertilizer loss, while AI-based energy management can maximize power loads and utilize renewable energy more efficiently. In transportation, AI applications are helping cities reduce congestion and emissions by implementing smart traffic systems. In climate tracking, AI-driven analysis of satellite imagery is helping scientists track deforestation and methane leaks more reliably and in real time.

Building a Responsible AI Ecosystem

As Europe heads towards climate neutrality and economic transformation, the establishment of a responsible AI ecosystem is vital. This includes developing ethical standards, ensuring fair access to technology, and linking investments to the EU Green Deal. By shared action in infrastructure, policy, and innovation, AI can serve as a basis for Europe's sustainable future enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and environmental accountability.