Axios reports that a scientific study published in a Nature journal argues that AI’s climate impact could extend far beyond the energy consumption of data centers. According to the researchers, AI could increase emissions by enabling greater oil and gas production, with negative effects that outweigh the benefits it could bring to renewable energy. The study highlights that AI can help fossil fuel companies identify new reserves, improve extraction, and reduce costs, making the sector more profitable. In the scenarios analyzed, this would lead to a net increase in global emissions, estimated at between 1% and 5% of the energy sector’s 2024 emissions. The authors stress that, although AI can also improve the efficiency and development of renewable energy, these advantages would not be enough to offset the expansion of fossil fuels. The oil industry disputes this view, arguing that it is possible to produce more energy while reducing emissions at the same time. The debate therefore centers on how to regulate and guide the use of AI, starting with greater transparency about its real effects.
AI could help unlock more oil — and emissions
The Global Eye is in partnership with SIOI – Società Italiana per l’Organizzazione Internazionale
