Scientists' Warning on Technology

Abstract

In the past several years, scientists have issued a series of warnings about the threats of climate change and other forms of environmental disruption. Here, we provide a scientists' warning on how technology affects these issues. Technology simultaneously provides substantial benefits for humanity, and also profound costs. Current technological systems are exacerbating climate change and the wholesale conversion of the Earth's ecosystems. Adopting new technologies, such as clean energy technologies and artificial intelligence, may be necessary for addressing these crises. Such transformation is not without risks, but it may help set human civilizations on a path to a sustainable future.