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Do we really want to bust net zero targets for AI cat pics?

In total, across Scotland, according to the tech justice non-profit Foxglove, energy-hungry data centres which would demand “a minimum of 2000MW of electricity supply, and as much as 3000MW” are already in planning.

That figure, Foxglove points out is already equivalent to “the total generation capacity of all of Scotland’s offshore wind turbines in 2024 (2971MW)” or “the total output of the Torness and Hunterston B nuclear power stations while both were still in operation”. One projection from Loughborough University’s Digital Decarb Design Group suggests that, globally, if data consumption continues unabated, “electricity demand
driven by data could exceed global electricity production by 2033”

Of course, AI can be helpful. There are many good things already which have come out of it. It can diagnose disease, prevent accidents, help us cut waste, streamline systems, even streamline the energy and material use by AI itself.

But we only need to open our social media apps to see what much of it is actually doing. I do think my cat looks majestic in full flight, but she is far cuter sitting on the chair by me as I write. Do we really want to risk climate goals in order to just power up relentless AI video slop?

 Herald 2nd Dec 2025, By Vicky Allan, Environment correspondent, https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/25666089.really-want-bust-net-zero-targets-ai-cat-pics/

December 7, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | ENERGY, technology