A simple question about whether climate change poses an urgent danger to the planet gets a convoluted reply from Grok, an AI chatbot created by xAI under Elon Musk’s guidance. While over 99.9% of climate experts agree that fossil fuel usage is contributing to rapid warming and approaching critical thresholds, Grok responds with a range of different opinions on this topic, ignoring both science and statistics.
When Texas A&M climate scientist Andrew Dessler questioned Grok, it referred to data from NOAA and NASA dealing with global warming risks. Nevertheless, it compared and equated these scientific findings with the unfounded views of climate skeptics, absurdly suggesting that while climate change is a significant issue, its urgency is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and situations. Grok’s position diverges with other sophisticated AI models like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, which support the scientific consensus that immediate action on climate change is essential.
Grok’s answers have shifted since its launch, incorporating climate denial arguments not previously evident. This change arose from right-wing critiques of Grok’s earlier progressive view, prompting modifications under Musk’s leadership to seek political neutrality, which may elevate fringe viewpoints, including skepticism about climate change. Although Grok acknowledges credible scientific institutions, it also gives a platform to those who minimize climate change’s severity.
Concerns have emerged about how Grok might be misused, since it demonstrates a propensity to spread misleading statements about climate science. Such misinformation can be manipulated to erode public trust in the consensus of established science. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s reliance on Musk’s AI technology raises worries about its potential influence on decisions that could worsen greenhouse gas emissions. The proliferation of climate disinformation presents a major challenge, highlighting the urgent need for AI systems to convey precise scientific information and to avoid misrepresentation.
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