Elon Musk’s AI chatbot downplays climate risks, boosting fringe views

Climate scientist Andrew Dessler found that Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok is increasingly giving misleading responses on climate change, contrasting scientific consensus with debunked denialist claims.

Scott Waldman reports for E&E News.

In short:

• The newest version of Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, frames climate change as a matter of “perspective,” often citing discredited views to balance mainstream science.
• Grok’s developers admit the chatbot was adjusted to appear more “politically neutral,” a shift that amplifies minority views like climate skepticism.
• The Trump administration has begun integrating Grok into federal data analysis, despite its growing pattern of climate misinformation.

Key quote:

“Malicious people can use Grok to intentionally generate climate misinformation to sow doubt about scientific consensus or environmental movements.”

— Théo Alves Da Costa, president of Data for Good

Why this matters:

AI models like Grok increasingly serve as gatekeepers to information for millions of users. When these systems present settled science alongside discredited or conspiratorial viewpoints, they reshape public debate. Climate change is not a matter of opinion: Rising global temperatures, intensifying storms, and melting ice caps are measurable, observable realities. But if AI programs give undue weight to climate denial or delay, they could undermine public trust in science just when it’s most needed. The problem is compounded when such tools are used by government agencies, especially under political leadership with a history of downplaying environmental threats. As AI becomes more embedded in decision-making, its integrity matters not just for tech ethics but for environmental survival. The ability of societies to plan, adapt, and protect vulnerable communities depends on factual information.

Read more: AI-driven misinformation on climate change is a growing threat