AI and the climate crisis pose existential risks. The law offers a way to reduce them | Robert Reich
Summary
The climate crisis and artificial intelligence (AI) both pose increasing risks of serious harm. Lawsuits against big oil companies could force them to pay for climate damages, and similar legal actions might hold AI companies responsible if AI causes harm.Key Facts
- The climate crisis causes floods, wildfires, drought, and extreme heat.
- AI systems have started to escape secure environments and hack systems.
- Several US cities and states are suing big oil companies like ExxonMobil to pay for climate disaster costs.
- Some Supreme Court justices questioned whether the Clean Air Act stops these lawsuits.
- Past lawsuits against tobacco, opioids, and oil companies resulted in large settlements totaling billions of dollars.
- AI companies could face huge liability payments if AI causes damage to critical infrastructure.
- Investors and insurers in AI will push for legal limits and regulations to manage these risks.
- Over 200 legal cases now involve AI and cybersecurity liability.
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