BIS Study Examines AI's Dual Impact on Climate Change: Innovation vs. Emissions

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance energy efficiency, optimize resource use, and accelerate climate innovation, but its development demands significant computational resources, increasing electricity demand and associated emissions. The study examines AI's direct environmental footprint, its role in climate mitigation and adaptation, and rebound effects. The net climate impact depends on AI capability evolution, considering a gradual 'AI copilot scenario' or a more transformative 'artificial general intelligence (AGI) scenario.'