U.S. government agency raises concerns about the impact of AI on the environment and society.
Generative AI’s impact on the environment is still deeply understudied, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and its human effects are just as unclear. In the latest of several AI technology assessments conducted by the GAO — a nonpartisan agency that provides audits and evaluations to Congress, executive agency leaders, and the general public upon request — the legislative office outlined multiple human and environmental risks posed by the tech’s unhampered development and widespread use. “Generative AI may displace workers, help spread false information, and create or elevate risks to national security,” the report reads. Threats to data privacy and cybersecurity, the use of biased systems, and a lack of accountability could have unintended effects on society, culture, and individuals, the GAO notes. Additionally, there is a pressing need to evaluate the energy consumption of AI’s training and ongoing use, as well as seek ways to mitigate these impacts.
“Training and using generative AI can result in substantial energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage,” asserts the GAO. “The environmental effects of using generative AI have received less attention than the effects of training it… Definitive statements about these risks and challenges are difficult to make because generative AI is rapidly evolving, and private developers do not disclose some key technical information.”
The lack of data from AI developers is increasingly hindering environmental research, the GAO explains, affecting the assessment of generative AI and its use cases, including those aimed at positive outcomes. Current policy actions, the GAO found, may not effectively address the long-term human impact of generative AI. Recent administrations have shown a willingness to adopt artificial intelligence in federal initiatives, including new memoranda focused on advancing American-made AI systems. An executive order was signed to establish an Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force intended to promote AI adoption among educators and K-12 students. This came on the heels of earlier directives that rolled back commitments to AI oversight.
Political leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining the country’s global leadership in artificial intelligence while advocating against perceived excessive regulation of the technology. This has also led to a reluctance to join international AI agreements. Moreover, the administration’s environmental agenda has faced criticism, particularly regarding withdrawal from global climate commitments and cuts to federal science funding.
As the use of AI technology continues to evolve, stakeholders must consider the implications and strive for greater transparency and accountability in the field.
