Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to accelerate innovation and aid in the fight against climate change. However, he also cautioned that the use of this technology must be in the hands of individuals with good intentions.
During an interview with Sky News at the Breakthrough Energy Summit in London, Gates shared his thoughts on the impact of AI on various fields, including climate change. He acknowledged that AI has played a modest role in addressing climate change thus far, but believes it will greatly enhance innovation in the future.
Gates explained, “AI helps us understand materials, catalysts, and proteins, which are crucial in the scientific field. It will also accelerate innovation in medicine and education.”
He further emphasized the potential of AI in the complex task of modeling fusion energy, stating, “Thank goodness AI will make that far easier to do.”
When asked about concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI to overthrow governments, Gates replied that he had not heard of such a scenario. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that AI is used for positive purposes.
“We must ensure that AI is mostly used by people with good intentions. It is inevitable that any new technology can be used for negative purposes, but we must stay ahead in detecting and preventing such usage,” Gates stated.
He also acknowledged the issue of misinformation and the potential for AI to create fake videos, urging individuals to question and verify the authenticity of such content. He also suggested the implementation of laws and penalties to deter those who deceive others using AI.
Despite these concerns, Gates remained optimistic about the future and the potential of AI to advance medical science, education, and address climate change. He also highlighted the need for governments to be agile and proactive in adapting to the changes brought about by AI.
In response to a question about the use of AI in cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, Gates stated, “The defence must be smarter than the offence. Both sides will use AI to their advantage.”
Expressing his confidence in the positive impact of AI, Gates concluded, “It is a wonderful technology when used for teaching and healthcare. It will challenge governments to step up and adapt, and it is encouraging to see them paying attention to this dialogue.”