On using large language models to support social research for climate action

Abstract Large language models (LLMs) are playing a growing role in climate-focused efforts by enabling new opportunities to expand the scale and speed of climate research and communication. However, they also introduce risks that, if left unaddressed, could undermine these benefits, turning the technology into yet another roadblock to much-needed climate action. Drawing on a narrative review, this paper highlights LLMs’ existing applications in support of climate action alongside potential social, environmental, and epistemic implications. Through this critical assessment, the paper underscores the imperative for a responsible approach to LLM development and deployment in this burgeoning domain.