This policy-oriented article explores the sustainability dimension of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). While AI can contribute to halting climate change via targeted applications in specific domains, AI technology in general could also have detrimental effects for climate policy goals. Moreover, digitalisation and AI can have an indirect effect on climate policy via their impact on political processes. It will be argued that, if certain conditions are fulfilled, AI-facilitated digital tools could help with setting up frameworks for bottom-up citizen participation that could generate the legitimacy and popular buy-in required for speedy transformations needed to reach net zero such as radically revamping the energy infrastructure among other crucial elements of the green transition. This could help with ameliorating a potential dilemma of voice versus speed regarding the green transition. The article will further address the nexus between digital applications such as AI and climate justice. Finally, the article will consider whether innovative governance methods could instil new dynamism into the multi-level global climate regime, such as by facilitating interlinkages and integration between different levels. Before implementing innovative governance arrangements, it is crucial to assess whether they do not exacerbate old or even generate new inequalities of access and participation.

这篇以政策为导向的文章探讨了数字化和人工智能 (AI) 的可持续性维度。虽然人工智能可以通过特定领域的有针对性的应用来帮助阻止气候变化，但人工智能技术总体上也可能对气候政策目标产生不利影响。此外，数字化和人工智能可以通过对政治进程的影响对气候政策产生间接影响。有人认为，如果满足某些条件，人工智能推动的数字工具可以帮助建立自下而上的公民参与框架，从而产生实现净零排放所需的快速转型所需的合法性和民众的支持，例如彻底改造能源基础设施以及绿色转型的其他关键要素。这可能有助于改善绿色转型中语音与速度之间的潜在困境。本文将进一步探讨人工智能等数字应用与气候正义之间的联系。最后，本文将考虑创新的治理方法是否可以为多层次的全球气候制度注入新的活力，例如促进不同层次之间的相互联系和整合。在实施创新治理安排之前，评估它们是否不会加剧旧有的不平等，甚至不会产生新的准入和参与不平等，这一点至关重要。