Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in climate action, enhancing strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building. AI technologies enable real-time emissions tracking, improved climate forecasting, renewable energy optimization, and disaster preparedness, significantly improving climate response capabilities. However, despite these benefits, AI’s deployment presents critical ethical, environmental, and governance challenges. AI’s high energy consumption, reliance on resource-intensive hardware, and potential bias in climate models raise concerns about its long-term sustainability and equitable access. Additionally, AI is paradoxically being used to enhance fossil fuel extraction, prolonging reliance on carbon-intensive industries. These challenges necessitate a balanced approach that prioritizes sustainable AI development, fair distribution of AI-driven climate solutions, and transparent governance frameworks. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of AI’s applications in climate change mitigation and adaptation, critically evaluating its benefits, risks, and ethical considerations. It also outlines policy recommendations to ensure that AI remains a responsible, sustainable, and globally accessible tool for addressing climate challenges, including the implementation of transparent energy reporting standards for AI systems and the development of global governance frameworks to prevent technological monopolies and ensure equitable access. This article finds that while AI holds transformative potential for climate mitigation and adaptation, its benefits can only be fully realized through equitable access, sustainable infrastructure, and ethical governance. By aligning AI innovation with global climate justice goals, it can become a powerful force for building long-term climate resilience and environmental sustainability.