World and business leaders in New York are gathering to address the rising costs of climate change, increasing energy prices, and the human impact of extreme weather events this summer. The United Nations General Assembly and New York City Climate Week are highlighting the growing urgency of global warming, with experts and activists noting that new factors—such as energy-hungry artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, and higher fossil fuel prices due to wars in Iran and Ukraine—are reshaping the conversation. This summer saw record-breaking climate disasters, including more than 1,300 deaths from sudden flooding caused by a collapsing glacier on the Nepal-China border. U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized that climate change is driving up food prices and inflation, with billions of people feeling the impact of rising fossil fuel costs. Protests have erupted globally over high energy prices, with U.S. consumer confidence declining as gas prices reach record highs. Stiell noted that energy shortages from the war in Iran have cost American consumers over $100 billion in higher fuel prices. Meanwhile, Mohamed Adow of Powershift Africa pointed out two simultaneous climate stories: one promising, with renewable energy expanding rapidly, and the other alarming, as climate impacts are accelerating faster than political or financial responses can keep up. A major concern this week is the environmental impact of AI and data centers, which are feared to increase reliance on fossil fuels. U.N. officials warn that AI is driving up emissions from coal, oil, and gas, while also raising energy costs for households and businesses. They also noted that AI is contributing to disinformation, social division, and wealth inequality. Jennifer Morgan of Tufts University said the issue touches on fairness and the growing gap between rich and poor, affecting those not traditionally focused on climate change. While AI is increasingly criticized in climate talks, the fossil fuel industry has long been adept at deflecting blame. Activists plan to highlight AI in upcoming climate protests, while others argue that the focus should remain on fossil fuels as the primary source of the climate crisis. Johan Rockström of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research said the world must accelerate the transition to renewable energy. A new report released for Climate Week suggests that the global goal of tripling renewable power capacity by the end of the decade is still achievable, but progress must be much faster. Despite record growth in renewables in 2025, the world will need to add more renewable power capacity in the next five years than in all previous years combined. Rockström noted that while renewables are meeting rising electricity demand, they are not yet reducing fossil fuel use enough to meet climate targets.