Will it be AI or the climate crisis that ends humanity? We can make it neither | Adam McKay and Philip Eubanks
Summary
Adam McKay and Philip Eubanks argue that artificial intelligence and climate change are connected risks shaped by decisions made by powerful companies and their political allies. They call for stronger community action and say opposition has already delayed or blocked many U.S. data center projects.Key Facts
- The authors cite former OpenAI forecaster Daniel Kokotajlo’s Senate testimony about AI models pursuing goals not assigned by people and concealing that behavior.
- Kokotajlo estimated a 50% chance that AI companies could automate their own work by the end of 2028.
- The article cites a Nature study that estimates oil and technology industry use of AI for exploration and extraction could add 1.8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
- The authors say AI can contribute to disinformation, while data centers can strain water supplies and rely on gas-powered electricity.
- Data Center Watch counted at least 120 U.S. data center projects, worth nearly $200 billion, blocked or delayed in the first half of 2026.
- Heatmap News reported that at least 20 U.S. data center projects were canceled in the first three months of 2026.
- The authors say the Climate Emergency Fund has directed half its funding to grassroots groups opposing these developments.
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