The rapid progress in research and development that has been observed in recent years raises concerns about its potential misuse for unfair, suppressive, or criminal purposes. In the context of geoscience and environmental research, this problem is particularly evident in the increasing use of AI in data analysis and interpretation from satellite-based Earth observation. Research is increasingly shaped by the fact that huge amounts of data can be analyzed almost in real time to serve specific, mostly peaceful, but sometimes, potentially harmful, purposes. One example is the use of satellite data to assess the use of buildings, which could benefit industries such as insurance or emergency planning, but could also be used for military purposes, such as target acquisition. This example highlights the “dual use dilemma,” where technologies and research can have both beneficial (peaceful) and harmful (military or oppressive) applications. This chapter argues that the dual-use dilemma, which classically focuses on the potential military use of research, should also encompass more subtle societal consequences that impact culture, communities, or individuals at the sociocultural or socioeconomic level. This shift requires consideration of both macro- and micro-economic perspectives in disaster risk reduction, resource management, and sustainable development. Earth and environmental sciences therefore have a major responsibility to understand and address these dual-use challenges. The aim is to raise awareness of these extended risks in the scientific community.