Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability

Society faces great challenges. Achieving Sustainable Development (SD) is a priority that has earned the commitment of governments following widespread adoption of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the associated digital technologies are driving major changes in many areas of socioeconomic systems, presenting both opportunities and risks for sustainability. There is extensive academic literature examining the contribution of AI to SD. After a brief review of this literature, this chapter provides a complementary approach, focusing on the analysis of online news and interaction with two chatbots to question AI itself about its role in achieving sustainability. Implications are derived for researchers, policymakers and private economic actors that should acknowledge and consciously consider the potential conflicts between AI and SD.