AI among 17 ‘catastrophic threats’ as Trump pushes for ‘super intelligence’

A recent report published in The Lancet identifies artificial intelligence (AI) among 17 "interconnected catastrophic threats" demanding urgent global attention to safeguard human health and survival through the 21st century. The assessment, conducted by a commission of 35-37 global experts, highlights the malicious use of AI alongside nuclear conflict as carrying extinction-level potential, even if the probability remains low.

The commission utilized Global Burden of Disease data to forecast the loss of healthy years, estimating that malicious AI could account for approximately 10.4 billion healthy years (Disability-Adjusted Life Years, or DALYs) by 2100. Beyond AI and nuclear threats, the other risks include climate change, naturally occurring pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and various societal and health challenges such as income inequality, obesity, and poor mental health.

Researchers emphasized that these threats are interconnected and require comprehensive, coordinated action from world leaders. They argue that humanity retains the capacity to act, and timely policy changes, funding decisions, and innovations are crucial to mitigate these significant dangers and protect future generations.