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Examining the potential benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence to advance global sustainability.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword
Preface
1  Introduction: Genius or Madness?
I  The Global Political Economy of AI
2  Datafying Life on Earth
3  The Rising Power of AI
II  The Prospects and Limits of AI
4  Conserving and Rewilding the Earth
5  Enhancing Eco-Business
6  Smart Products
7  Smart Cities and Farms
III  The Dangers of AI
8  Deepening Inequality and Injustice
9  Accelerating Extraction and Consumption
10  The Intelligent Eyes of Repression
11  Weapons of Destruction
12  Conclusion: Navigating the Shoals of Hubris
Notes
Further Readings
Index

About the Author

Peter Dauvergne is Professor of International Relations at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Environmentalism of the Rich, Eco-Business- A Big-Brand Takeover of Sustainability (with Jane Lister), and The Shadows of Consumption- Consequences for the Global Environment, all published by the MIT Press.

Reviews

"While rejecting the hackneyed outcome that has AI killing off humanity, this book is as fast-paced and thrilling as any sci-fi storyline. Dauvergne is best when analyzing why it is not too late to guide the genius of AI toward applications that work to increase social and environmental equity and justice." – Joni Adamson, President’s Professor of Environmental Humanities and Distinguished Sustainability Scholar, Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University

"While much work on artificial intelligence focuses on society, AI in the Wild focuses on what could be one of AI’s most profound applications: the preservation of our natural environment." – César A. Hidalgo, Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute (ANITI)

"A must-read for anyone interested in the global impacts of AI and how those who wield it will reshape our world environment in the coming decades." – Kate O’Neill, Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley

"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the global impact of using AI and how those who wield it have the power to shape our world's environment for the better."  – Engineering & Technology

"Whether social responsibility will be engaged in shaping future AI systems, only time will tell. Meanwhile, Dauvergne continues to offer unique insights into AI as a product of powerful and combined political, economic, and scientific forces. Recommended." – Choice