What will kill us off first? That’s the current debate regarding climate change vs. artificial intelligence. Let’s look at the AI side of the debate first.
Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon recently accused both Anthropic and OpenAI of prioritizing boosting super intelligence over safety. His warning got our attention, but it’s not new. Years ago, British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking warned the creation of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.
Pope Leo recently echoed Hawking’s fears, voicing his concern about trends “that risk turning science and technology into profit-driven ventures.” Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates was more direct in an interview aired last weekend on NBC’s “Meet the Press”: “There’s never been a weapon as powerful as the combination of people with ill intent using the latest AI tools.”
We’re all concerned, and terrified, even when OpenAI claimed its hacks have had little impact. AI research lab Transluce reported to CBS that it found “additional rogue activity,” but also said it isn’t attributable to OpenAI.” Later, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told the United Nations the more AI becomes automated, the more it goes beyond human control. Altman called for extreme care internationally.
International extreme care should have us looking at climate change issues. July was the warmest month on record for the U.S., and lingering heat domes caused the hottest summer in 132 years. Huge rainfalls are getting more common, but Chattanooga saw a record-breaking 47 consecutive days of temperatures over 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in our country, with rising numbers due to climate change.