Solving for Climate Dr Hannah Ritchie: Is AI bad for the planet?
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Dec 2, 2025 
Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and author of 'Clearing the Air,' dives into the complex intersection of AI and climate change. She explores AI's energy demands and its surprising potential to drive efficiency. Ritchie shares insights on electric vehicles as promising solutions, particularly citing Norway's success. She emphasizes the need for small countries to contribute to emissions reduction and discusses public sentiment balancing climate concern with economic worries. With a focus on non-partisanship, she provides a clear-eyed view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
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EVs Are A Public Gateway To Electrification
- Electric vehicles are a visible, consumer-facing success that builds public confidence in broader electrification.
- EV adoption can catalyse engagement with other low‑carbon choices like heat pumps.
Norway Shows Rapid EV Transformation
- Norway now sells almost exclusively electric cars and is nearing the point where 'electric' will just be 'car'.
- This demonstrates rapid, replicable policy-driven transitions are possible.
AI Needed Data Before Being Included
- AI's environmental impact lacked reliable data when Hannah first wrote her book, delaying inclusion.
- She added AI coverage once reasonable estimates emerged to ground claims in evidence.
