Governing sustainability transitions in a world of AI-powered greenwashing

Mitzi Bolton and Tom Chan

Chapter 20 in Handbook on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, 2026, pp 336-359 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a powerful transformational tool, but what of its sustainability impacts? This chapter explores the often-hidden costs of AI for the environment and sustainability transitions. We highlight the emerging phenomenon of ‘AI-powered greenwashing’ and challenges for governance at the interface of AI and sustainability. There is a strong case for formal governance by the state, given (1) the nature and potential extent of the market or systems failures exacerbated by uncertainties, (2) diverse and competing interests of actors involved, and (3) the severity of the economic, social and environmental implications of unfettered development and use of AI.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Sustainability Transitions; Governance; Greenwashing; Public Policy; Technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338573
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