AI is guzzling energy for slop content – could it be reimagined to help the climate?

Some experts think AI could be used to lower, rather than raise, planet-heating emissions - others aren't so convinced

• Cop30: click here for full Guardian coverage of the climate talks in Brazil

Artificial intelligence is often associated with ludicrous amounts of electricity, and therefore planet-heating emissions, expended to create nonsensical or misleading slop that is of meagre value to humanity.

Some AI advocates at a major UN climate summit are posing an alternative view, though - what if AI could help us solve, rather than worsen, the climate crisis?