Do Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Contribute to the Mitigation of Hazardous Environments? An Analysis Based on Various Pillars of AI

摘要

As the global climate situation becomes increasingly severe, the rapid development of robots or artificial intelligence (AI) technology to achieve zero emissions has gradually become a worldwide consensus among major countries. However, the applications of AI may not necessarily lead to a reduction in environmental pollution, as the outcomes may vary depending on the components of AI. The objective of this study is to examine the impacts of different components of artificial intelligence on environmental performance. To achieve this objective, the study utilises a panel regression model with a sample of 52 countries from the year 2019 to 2022. The seven sub-pillars considered for AI applications include commercial, development, government strategy, infrastructure, operating environment, research, and talent aspects. Additionally, this study investigates the impacts of different components of artificial intelligence on environmental performance in two groups of countries classified as advanced countries and developing countries. The results show that AI applications in development, government strategy, research, and the operating environment pillars are positive and significant for carbon emissions in all samples. Commercialisation in AI is negative and significant for carbon emissions in advanced countries. Infrastructure in AI is negative and significant for carbon emissions in developing countries. The implication of this study demonstrates that policies encouraging sustainable and responsible commercial AI development are effective in reducing the environmental impact in advanced countries. Developing countries, on the other hand, may benefit from policies that focus on building and enhancing AI infrastructure. The novelty of this study lies in the distinction between advanced and developing countries, allowing for tailored strategies to combat hazardous environments. Advanced countries may focus on managing the commercial aspects of AI, while developing countries may emphasise infrastructure development.