Zero-emission vision: The roles of artificial intelligence and clean energy in environmental sustainability improvement

With the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, France has been intensively seeking to address environmental concerns by establishing low-carbon technological infrastructure. However, the effectiveness of these efforts for France's environmental sustainability (ENS) remains uncertain. This study addresses this gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between AI and ENS within the framework of Porter's theory. Furthermore, it also considers the environmental impact of clean energy use, human capital, economic growth, and natural resources. The empirical analysis utilizes Fourier-based econometric methods. The analysis findings show that AI has no statistically significant impact on ENS. In other words, although low-carbon AI facilities have increased in France in recent years, they are still not capable of improving environmental quality. Thus, this study reveals that low-carbon technologies capable of meeting AI's intense energy demands are insufficient. Other results of the paper indicate that economic growth and natural resources reduce environmental quality. Furthermore, the use of clean energy and human capital contribute to ENS. The French government should significantly increase the number of low-carbon AI facilities. Public-private partnerships can build energy infrastructure, enabling AI's positive environmental impact to be realized in the future. Furthermore, the French government can contribute to ENS through policies that encourage clean energy use and enhance human capital.

Journal

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Year

2025

Volume

395

ISSN

0301-4797

eISSN

1095-8630

DOI

10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127880

WoS UID

WOS:001616096100006