A recent study published in Nature has revealed that chatbots can significantly shift political preferences, impacting voters by as much as 15 percentage points. This finding raises concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence on public opinion, particularly in major elections. As AI models become more sophisticated, they present a considerable persuasive advantage for those who wield them, affecting perceptions on critical issues, including climate change.
The research challenges the assumption that many individuals remain resistant to changing their political views. Instead, it highlights how AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), can sway opinions more effectively than traditional campaigning methods. This capability poses a serious risk in the context of clean energy information, as chatbots often disseminate misleading narratives.
Bots are increasingly manipulating climate discourse online, drawing from a vast pool of information available on the internet. Many social media users, particularly those on the political right, have been shown to share more misleading content than their counterparts on the left. Consequently, a wealth of climate disinformation is permeating platforms, complicating the transition to renewable energy sources.
According to NASA, the effects of human-induced climate change are already visible and escalating. However, the narrative surrounding climate issues is often distorted by bots that downplay the immediate impacts and shift responsibility away from human actions. This leads to a lack of available statistics on dire consequences such as the decline of Arctic sea ice and the increasing rates of coastal flooding.
The Nature study also found that chatbots, eager to please, tend to focus on candidates’ policies rather than their personalities, making their arguments more persuasive. Bots that promote right-leaning candidates frequently present inaccurate claims compared to those advocating for left-leaning ideologies. An alarming trend is that these chatbots sometimes rely on unverified evidence, further muddying the waters of factual discourse.
In a separate investigation by Global Witness, findings indicated that mainstream chatbots often failed to accurately reflect the role of fossil fuel companies in the climate crisis. The study noted several troubling behaviors, including the promotion of climate conspiracy theories and the creation of outrageous content to drive engagement.
As generative AI gained widespread acceptance leading into 2025, concerns about its potential to misinform users about climate change became more pronounced. One notable figure, former President Donald J. Trump, has been vocal about the perceived risks of AI, arguing against measures to mitigate misinformation. His campaign for reelection in 2024 was heavily funded by the oil and gas industry, receiving over $96 million from related donors. Since returning to office, Trump has pushed for an expansion of fossil fuel extraction while sidelining investments in clean energy.
Interestingly, ExxonMobil has begun marketing its methane gas as a “climate-friendly” solution, further illustrating the complexities of corporate messaging in the face of climate challenges. The role of AI in this narrative is concerning, as it has become another tool for political actors to sway opinions, even among those who believe their views are already established.
The ongoing rejection of renewable energy sources and the misinformation surrounding the potential of solar and wind power reflect a growing trend where AI is used to promote fossil fuel interests. While some corporations may publicly support renewables, many executives prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability.
The political landscape is shifting as global leaders retreat from green policies due to pressure from figures like Trump. Reportedly, they are renewing support for fossil fuels, disregarding the impact of their emissions. The question arises whether it is a coincidence that some AI models appear biased towards fossil fuel narratives.
Commentators, including Darius Snieckus and Jason Wilson, have raised alarms about the implications of AI systems that reflect the views of their creators. For instance, Elon Musk‘s Grok bot has been criticized for promoting controversial ideologies, suggesting a troubling trend in the intersection of technology and misinformation.
Despite the challenges posed by bots in shaping public perception, the market for renewable technologies continues to expand. Technologies such as solar and batteries are becoming more economically viable, offering a path towards energy independence. Federal tax incentives for grid-scale battery storage remain intact, prompting developers to pivot towards cleaner energy solutions.
Navigating the climate crisis in the age of AI requires concerted efforts to educate and mobilize audiences. The proliferation of disinformation has led to a disconnection between citizens and the realities of climate change, complicating efforts to address this pressing issue. As the landscape of artificial intelligence evolves, so too must our strategies for ensuring that accurate information prevails in the public discourse surrounding climate and energy.
