Report

Title Carbon Neutrality and AI: Innovative Partnerships for a Sustainable Future Hit 320
Publication 2025-05-30

Institute for Future Strategy Issue Brief, May Vol. 35
“Carbon Neutrality and AI: An Innovative Partnership for a Sustainable Future”

This issue brief provides an integrated analysis of two core 21st-century agendas—responding to the climate crisis and advancing digital transformation—and presents strategies for linking carbon neutrality and artificial intelligence (AI). Carbon neutrality and digital transformation are among the most important global challenges of the 21st century. Korea has been actively pursuing both through its “2050 Carbon Neutrality” declaration and the establishment of a national AI strategy.

More recently, there has been a growing movement to leverage AI as a tool for achieving carbon neutrality in areas such as optimising energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting resource circularity. However, AI also has a dual nature: its massive computational and energy demands can exacerbate carbon emissions. Thus, a balanced approach between “green AI” and “red AI” is required.

The brief analyses sector-specific strategies for greenhouse gas reduction and climate adaptation through AI, and proposes the following key policy measures:

  • Advancement of AI-based energy and environmental management systems,

  • Development of tailored reduction strategies for core sectors such as industry, transportation, and buildings,

  • Promotion of eco-friendly and energy-efficient AI technologies,

  • Strengthening data-driven climate risk monitoring and forecasting systems,

  • Establishment of a “National Carbon Neutrality–AI Strategy” and integrated governance,

  • Creation of a high-quality data ecosystem and cultivation of interdisciplinary talent.

Keywords
AI, carbon neutrality, climate crisis response, digital transformation, green AI, governance, talent development