Elon Musk’s AI chatbot has some questionable climate opinions – blending real science with denial claims

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Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, created by his company xAI, is encountering criticism for promoting climate change skepticism. When questioned about its severity, Grok provided scientific facts but also inserted some common arguments from climate change deniers, suggesting in the end that both those who view it as a major concern and those who deny it are equally extreme.

Grok vs. the climate consensus

Lately, climate scientist Andrew Dessler inquired about global warming from Grok. Initially, Grok referenced data from NASA and NOAA indicating genuine risks but also incorporated some views that question the reality of climate change. When further questioned by a POLITICO journalist, Grok acknowledged the gravity of climate change but emphasized its severity is subjective based on one’s viewpoint, location, and timeline. Later, Grok reiterated their stance by stating that overly dramatic rhetoric from both sides can make the issue unclear. In a subsequent conversation, Grok explained that while the planet may endure, it is human systems and vulnerable species that are most susceptible to harm.

Different AI models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, generally align with the established scientific viewpoint, acknowledging that climate change is a genuine and pressing issue. However, Grok tends to express views that lean towards skepticism on this matter.

It’s been acknowledged that Grok has modified its approach, aiming to maintain a politically impartial stance. The chatbot claims this involves amplifying underrepresented perspectives, such as climate skepticism, in response to perceived bias within mainstream sources. However, this development has sparked debate, particularly since there are reports of Grok being employed by government agencies for data analysis. The potential for AI to disseminate misinformation is a significant worry in this context.

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2025-06-04 22:31