Does artificial intelligence mitigate climate change exposure?

Despite the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business models, studies of its impact on corporate climate change exposure remain scarce. Through an examination of AI-related innovations among US-listed firms from 2001 to 2019, we present compelling evidence that AI innovation effectively mitigates firms’ climate change exposure. In particular, it reduces firms’ exposure to regulatory and physical risks related to climate change through improved carbon management efficiency, with computer vision and control and planning being the most effective types in this context. Our findings are particularly pronounced for mature firms and those facing greater regulatory intervention. The results withstand rigorous tests that address endogeneity concerns. Our study provides strong support for firms to adopt AI innovations to achieve carbon neutrality, contributing to the ongoing discourse regarding AI trade-offs. Our findings also offer valuable insights into the development of climate risk mitigation strategies.