The Wide Boundary Impacts of AI with Daniel Schmachtenberger | TGS 132

(Conversation recorded on June 27th, 2024)

Show 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?

We encourage you to explore the resources and research from The Civilization Research Institute on artificial intelligence compiled in this document: https://static1.squarespace.com/stati...

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.

Read the Development in Progress Paper:
https://consilienceproject.org/develo...

For Show Notes and More visit:
https://www.thegreatsimplification.co...

00:00:00 - Introduction
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
00:36:46 - What This Be Stopped?
00:46:32 - Energy and Material Demands of AI
00:57:14 - Tech Solutions vs. Systemic Changes
01:13:48 - AI and Energy Limits
01:21:12 - AI and the Superorganism
01:27:35 - Targeted AI Campaigns
01:33:27 - Precautionary Principle
01:40:21 - Closing Thoughts

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Music: Frontiers by Revo
Licensed through Music Vine
License ID: S549586-16003