Last week, Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) co-founder Owen Gaffney and colleagues published a critical new commentary in Nature Sustainability. The article presents the “Earth alignment” principle as a crucial framework for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.

As AI advances at an unprecedented rate, its potential to both drive solutions and exacerbate existing systemic challenges becomes increasingly apparent. Gaffney et al. (2025) argue that without careful consideration, AI could significantly undermine efforts to achieve planetary stability.

The commentary addresses the multifaceted risks AI poses to climate and nature and Owen Gaffney explains that: 

There is much talk about the potential of AI to drive down greenhouse gas emissions. But the irony is that data centre emissions are rising rapidly, due to AI expansion, and, more worryingly, AI is being embedded in the very economic systems that have been driving up emissions for a century or more.

We urgently need to ensure AI business models are not only aligned with human values but also aligned with a goal of halving emissions every decade. This is why we propose the Earth alignment principle for AI development, deployment and use.

This timely research aligns with ERI’s mission to accelerate climate action through exponential decarbonization. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure technological advancements contribute to a sustainable future.

We encourage you to read the full commentary in Nature Sustainability for a comprehensive understanding of the “Earth alignment” principle and its implications.

More resources:

• Read ERI co-founders Owen Gaffney and Johan Falk’s previous white paper on AI fo clean energy.  
• Read our Feburary newsletter for some insights on how our members have used AI to decarbonise their busiensses