Is Artificial Intelligence undermining sustainability? A disastrous development

AI stands at a pivotal intersection of technological progress and sustainability imperatives. Its potential to contribute to climate mitigation, environmental protection, and resource efficiency is undeniable. Yet its material and political impacts –ranging from energy consumption and ecological degradation to social inequality and democratic erosion– pose significant risks. The future of AI and sustainability depends on deliberate choices about how AI is designed, deployed, and governed. Without intentional alignment, AI may exacerbate the very crises it aims to solve. With appropriate governance, however, AI can become a critical tool in building a resilient, equitable, and ecologically balanced future.