Artificial Intelligence and the Lost Ark
Frankly #82
We live in an era where artificial intelligence increasingly dominates the headlines with promises of revolutionary advances - from medical breakthroughs to productivity gains. Yet, while society fixates on these micro-level innovations, a deeper macro story remains largely untold: how AI may fundamentally reshape the relationship between humanity, technology, and the living world. As we race towards artificial superintelligence, we face a species-level ‘Icarus moment’ - where our technological ambitions risk outstripping our collective wisdom as we fly too close to the sun.
In this Frankly, I explore seven potential macro-risks associated with AI, from the amplification of wealth inequality to the (literal) existential threat of superintelligence. Through the lens of ‘obligatory technology’ and Jevons paradox, I examine how AI could turbocharge the economic superorganism - accelerating its impact on resource extraction, ecosystem degradation, and human meaning - all while fragmenting our shared reality and concentrating power in dangerous ways.
What happens when we outsource, not just our labor, but also our creativity and meaning-making to machines? How might society adapt when technological efficiency leads to even greater resource extraction and consumption? And as we stand at this critical juncture, can we find ways to “use the devil’s tools in service of Gaia’s work”? Or are we opening a Pandora’s box that cannot be closed? Metaphors - and risks - abound.
In case you missed it…
This week, I was joined by geologist and energy expert, Scott Tinker, to delve into the complexities of global oil supply and demand, the concept of peak oil, and the future possibilities of energy production and transition. Together, we explored the decline rates of oil reservoirs, the physics behind oil extraction, and the role of technology in oil production.
If you appreciate The Great Simplification podcast…
Be sure to leave a review on your preferred podcast platform! Leaving reviews helps the podcast grow, which helps spread awareness of our systemic situation from experts in ecology, energy, policy, economics, technology, and community building so that we can better understand - and respond to - the challenges of the coming decade.
The Great Simplification podcast is produced by The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future (ISEOF), a 501(c)(3) organization. We want to keep all content completely free to view globally and without ads. If you’d like to support ISEOF and it’s content via donation, please use the link below.
🤖
AI appears to be our mechanical offspring and evolutionary successor. A rapacious resource-devouring juggler of language, with little to no regard for the living biosphere at large. Possibly our most unruly creation!
For a very decent documentary on the matter, watch The Cost of AI: https://youtu.be/bVnpH3DE-MY?si=vqTimzRl1BAtNSMq
Come on, dear Nate, you know as well as any thoughtful observer, that the underlying sole purpose of AI is for corporations to reduce labor costs and increase profit. For me, AI, is just BS and a further indicator of the wealthy attempting to get an ever bigger piece of the pie, as the energy/climate collapse grows ever nearer. I hope they choke on it. Have a blessed day! Gregg