The Earth alignment principle for artificial intelligence

AI is embedded in a growing number of technologies and economic activities, and without ethical and equitable direction, this infusion will continue to drive negative impacts on society and the environment. This article from the Stockholm Resilience Centre introduces a new guiding principle - "Earth alignment" - that can help you to ensure that AI supports a stable biosphere. Earth alignment aims to steer the development and use of AI in ways that promote sustainable development for all by focusing on aligning AI’s development and deployment with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and support equitable access to sustainability tools. The proposed framework includes three criteria that AI development and use need to fulfil to achieve strong Earth alignment: accelerate the transition to sustainable production and consumption in ways that respect planetary boundaries or at least do not obstruct them; ensure equitable access to AI tools for global sustainability and prevent power concentration, especially in low-income regions; and foster social cohesion and trust and provide access to reliable information for planetary stewardship.