Paper suggests AI will increase total emissions by boosting fossil fuel efficiency, though this implies broad economic gains
AndyMasley · x · 2026-08-16
A new paper argues that AI will significantly increase total emissions because it serves as a highly useful tool for fossil fuel companies, leading to efficiency gains that outweigh the relative growth of renewables. The author agrees this is the primary environmental risk of AI but notes it implies the technology's broad utility, which will likely drive efficiency gains across the rest of the economy as well.
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