The AI boom took over Climate Week and not everyone is happy about it
News Source
β’Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:21:59 +0000
π° What Happened
The AI boom took over this year's New York Climate Week. Many climate tech firms are riding the wave of spending on AI data centres. Some worry about the many natural gas plants being built to power them.
Companies that changed their pitch to match AI demand found it easier to raise money. Venture funding for climate tech rose for four straight quarters. It passed the $14 billion mark in the first quarter of this year.
π The Backstory
Investors had been cautious about climate tech. Federal grants were cancelled and money was hard to find. Firms focused on energy or the power grid were able to reframe their work around data centres.
The hot areas now include grid infrastructure and power sources that can switch on and off. Critics say other promising climate ideas risk being overlooked. The trend has lasted about a year.
π― Why It Matters
Data centres use huge amounts of power, and that affects energy prices and climate goals. This shapes the cost of electricity for everyone.
The AI boom took over this year's New York Climate Week. Many climate tech firms are riding the wave of spending on AI data centres. Some worry about the many natural gas plants being built to power them.
Companies that changed their pitch to match AI demand found it easier to raise money. Venture funding for climate tech rose for four straight quarters. It passed the $14 billion mark in the first quarter of this year.
Investors had been cautious about climate tech. Federal grants were cancelled and money was hard to find. Firms focused on energy or the power grid were able to reframe their work around data centres.
The hot areas now include grid infrastructure and power sources that can switch on and off. Critics say other promising climate ideas risk being overlooked. The trend has lasted about a year.
Data centres use huge amounts of power, and that affects energy prices and climate goals. This shapes the cost of electricity for everyone.