We asked artificial intelligence about the biggest risks facing humanity. Remarkably, among the numerous important risks that may hit mankind in the future, which vary in probability and severity, an “uncontrolled artificial intelligence” occupies one of the top positions.
Below is a list of possible risks with a brief explanation to understand what each risk relates to.
climate change: Rising global temperatures, rising sea levels and extreme weather events can have devastating impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, economies and human health.
It is important to note that even if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, there will still be some climate change impacts that will be irreversible. However, if we act now, we can prevent the worst effects of climate change and create a more sustainable future for our planet.
nuclear weapons: Nuclear proliferation and the possibility of nuclear conflict remain a significant threat to world peace and human survival.
Tensions between countries with nuclear weapons may increase because of territorial disputes, ideological rivalries, or competition for resources. These tensions could trigger an escalation into a nuclear conflict.
Although there are international treaties and agreements to limit and reduce nuclear weapons, full disarmament is a challenge due to national security concerns and distrust between nations.
Pandemics: Emerging infectious diseases can spread rapidly in a globalized world, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows. Pandemics can cause large numbers of deaths and social and economic disruption.
Uncontrolled artificial intelligence
If AI development proceeds without proper oversight, there could come a point where AI systems become autonomous and surpass human ability to understand and control their actions. This could lead to situations where the decisions and actions of the AI are not predictable or controllable.
If AI significantly surpasses human intelligence in terms of general cognitive abilities, ethical and security challenges could arise. AI’s super-intelligent abilities could be difficult to predict and could make decisions inconsistent with human values.
Global and geopolitical conflict: Conflicts between nations, especially when they involve nuclear powers, can have devastating consequences for global security and economic stability.
Lack of sources: Overexploitation of natural resources such as water, food and minerals, and environmental degradation could lead to resource conflicts and difficulties in meeting the basic needs of the world’s population.
Collapse of the financial system: Severe economic crises can have profound effects on political and social stability, leading to poverty, mass unemployment and social unrest.
Because the global economy is interconnected, a financial crisis in one part of the world can quickly spread to other regions through trade and financial channels.
New Technology Risks: In addition to AI, other emerging technologies such as advanced biotechnology, nanotechnology and geoengineering could also have unforeseen and potentially dangerous impacts if not properly managed.
Cyber Threats: Dependence on information technology and communication networks makes critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks that could have disruptive consequences for society.
general inequality
Economic and social inequalities between different regions and population groups can lead to tensions, conflicts and public health problems and affect global stability.
Economic and social inequalities can increase tensions between different groups and regions. When certain groups feel marginalized or deprived of opportunities, social discontent can increase and, in some cases, civil or political conflict.
It is important to emphasize that managing these risks requires international cooperation, responsible scientific and technological advances, and appropriate policies to manage them effectively.