June 27, 202
"The link below leads to a podcast with a very scary two-person discussion about artificial intelligence, the carbon/eco-crisis, and the recognition that no effective steps have been taken to avoid social and environmental collapse on a global level. Oddly, though the cause of this situation is clearly blamed on the ultra-rich ruling class, the word capitalism is never said-- although "market" makes it into the dialogue a number of times. The absence of any mention of an international, mass democratic peoples' movement is striking. Rather, the strategy appears to be one of getting sections of the ruling class crisis-creators to convince the rest to negotiate a different, self-limiting energy/economic system." - Gene McGuckin
(Conversation recorded on June 27th, 2024)
Summary: Artificial intelligence has been advancing at a break-neck pace. Accompanying this is an almost frenzied optimism that AI will fix our most pressing global problems, particularly when it comes to the hype surrounding climate solutions.
In this episode, Daniel Schmachtenberger joins Nate to take a wide-boundary look at the true environmental risks embedded within the current promises of artificial intelligence. He demonstrates that the current trajectory of AI’s impact is headed towards ecological destruction, rather than restoration… an important narrative currently missing from the discourse surrounding AI at large.
What are the environmental implications of a tool with unbound computational capabilities aimed towards goals of relentless growth and extraction? How could artificial intelligence play into the themes of power and greed, intensifying inequalities and accelerating the fragmentation of society? What role could AI play under a different set of values and expectations for the future that are in service to the betterment of life?
About Daniel Schmactenberger:
Daniel Schmachtenberger is a founding member of The Consilience Project, aimed at improving public sensemaking and dialogue.
The throughline of his interests has to do with ways of improving the health and development of individuals and society, with a virtuous relationship between the two as a goal.
Towards these ends, Daniel has a particular interest in catastrophic and existential risk, with focuses on civilization collapse and institutional decay. His work also includes an analysis of progress narratives, collective action problems, and social organization theories. These themes are all connected through close study of the relevant domains in philosophy and science.
00:04:01 - AI's Potential Benefits for the Environment
00:09:53 - Public Perception of AI and the Environment
00:11:24 - AI in Defense and Surveillance
00:17:09 - Existential Risks and Motivations
00:18:51 - AI and the Environment: A Broader Impact
00:29:55 - Environmental Concern in the AI Space
00:46:32 - Energy and Material Demands of AI
00:57:14 - Tech Solutions vs. Systemic Changes
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Music: Frontiers by Revo Licensed through Music Vine License ID: S549586-16003
