Impacts of artificial intelligence on carbon emissions in China: in terms of artificial intelligence type and regional differences

The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on carbon emissions has long been contentious, and accurately clarifying this impact is crucial for the realization of sustainable smart cities. This article investigates the impact of AI on carbon emissions, distinguishing between applied and innovative AI types. Analyzing data from 267 Chinese cities between 2008 and 2019, the study reveals that applied AI reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 40,100 tons per unit increase. In contrast, innovative AI initially leads to emissions increases before ultimately decreasing, illustrating an inverted U-shaped relationship. Regional variations in AI's impact on emissions are influenced by each region's developmental focus and stage of AI deployment. Specifically, differences arise due to the continuous carbon reduction (-0.024) associated with applied AI and the initial emission increase (0.129) attributed to innovative AI. The study underscores the significance of tailored regional strategies in AI development for fostering sustainable smart cities. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on AI's environmental impact, offering insights to inform targeted approaches in green, sustainable urban planning.