Tech-driven optimization could reshape numerous industries, accelerating decarbonization and the move toward greener operations. In parallel, AI-powered smart grids can predict energy consumption patterns and maximize renewable energy use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. But digitalization is itself energy intensive. A recent report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) examines the carbon footprint of 200 of the world’s leading digital companies. And it reveals a troubling reality: while those companies invest heavily in renewable energy, their soaring energy needs – driven by demand for data centres and the race to dominate artificial intelligence (AI) – contribute significantly to the continued global rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.