Assessing the AI-ESG Nexus Through a Quantile-Wavelet Analysis
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and explores how this relationship evolves across the quantile and time-frequency domains. Using daily data from 2018 to 2025, the analysis applies the Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (QQR), Wavelet Quantile-on-Quantile Regression (WQQR), and Quantile Causality (QC) approaches to examine the influence of the Artificial Intelligence Enabler Index (AII) on the Global ESG Index (ESGI). The results based on raw data reveal that the influence of AI on ESG performance is heterogeneous across quantiles, with both positive and negative effects. In the short, medium, and long term, AII positively affects ESGI at the lower and upper quantiles, while exerting negative effects around the median quantiles. The QC findings, consistent with the raw and wavelet-based analyses, indicate that AI has predictive power for ESG performance over the medium and long horizons, but not in the short run. These results underscore that the strategic and holistic integration of AI technologies can play a pivotal role in overcoming ESG challenges and fostering sustainable development. The study provides novel insights for investors and policymakers aiming to understand the dynamic and multi-scale linkages between AI adoption and ESG performance.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Environment and Climate Finance, Finance, Financial Forecast and Modelling, Finance and Investment (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
June 30, 2026
Submission Date
April 22, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 2