The uptake and integration of AI represents a change with the potential to be as dramatic as the Industrial Revolution. I’m concerned with mitigating the negative externalities of this change - both sociologically and ecologically. I am proposing and demonstrating a techno-utopian project: EcoValor that is intended to steer humanity towards the best possible outcome of this coming revolution.

At first, I was interested in two problems: one is that we make more ‘stuff’ than is good for the planet or our souls. The other problem was what I perceived as anxiety around AI taking away jobs.

My question relates to a rapidly developing discourse around AI, employment, and sustainability. Peer reviewed papers tend to be out of date by the time they are published, nevertheless, this was my starting point. I soon moved on to think tank papers, like the International Labour Organisation’s report on generative AI and jobs, for more current and broad perspectives. I consulted private industry reports, like Mckinsey’s 2023 ESG Report. I attended meet-ups of people working in the field and participated in a climate tech ‘AI hackathon’ (where I worked on a proposal similar to the one I present here and received ‘honourable mention’ for proposal with greatest potential climate impact). I workshopped some of my early research at the Technology, Knowledge, and Society conference in Valencia, where I also had the chance to speak with academics from many fields who are addressing problems and potentials of AI.

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My proposal is based on a hybrid model of Proof of Stake blockchain validation - inspired by the Ethereum crypto currency - and voluntary carbon credit systems. The intention is to divert the increased productivity AI is expected to provide away from production of unsustainable commodities (we already make too much shit for the planet to sustain), and away from lay-offs and other undesirable labour outcomes. To do this I propose an ‘EcoValor Token’ which allows individuals and firms to use their AI-provided extra productivity for projects that have a positive impact on environmental and social concerns.