Could AI exacerbate the environmental concerns of crypto?

Could the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the cryptocurrency ecosystem potentially exacerbate the already pressing environmental concerns associated with this digital asset class? As the demand for cryptocurrency mining continues to surge, so too does the energy consumption, often sourced from non-renewable resources. With AI technologies becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, could they inadvertently contribute to an even greater carbon footprint, especially if used to optimize mining processes or enhance trading strategies? Or, is there potential for AI to play a pivotal role in addressing these environmental concerns, for instance, by facilitating the adoption of renewable energy sources or developing more efficient mining protocols?