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Net zero needs AI — five actions to realize its promise

Without artificial-intelligence technologies, balancing human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions with carbon removals by 2050 is out of reach. Action in five areas is needed to keep this goal alive.
By
  1. Amy Luers

    1. Amy Luers is the senior global director for Sustainability Science and Innovation, Microsoft, Redmond, Washington, USA.

A small robot on four wheels with binocular-like cameras inspects power lines at a electricity station while two workmen in hard hats stand behind

A robot with artificial-intelligence technologies inspects a power system in Chuzhou, China. Credit: Zuma/eyevine

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In 2024, the global average annual temperature exceeded 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Greenhouse-gas emissions are rising, and the window to reach net zero by 2050 is closing fast.

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Nature 644, 871-873 (2025)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-025-02641-4

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Supplementary Information

  1. Supplementary Information - ChatGPT energy consumption

Competing Interests

A.L. is employed by Microsoft.

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