DARON ACEMOGLU - POWER AND PROGRESS - SUSTAINABILITY

Inspired by Daron Acemo?lu’s book Power and Progress (Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity), technology, power dynamics, and societal impacts are examined from a broad perspective. Acemo?lu emphasizes that technology should not only be viewed as a tool for economic growth but also as a means of redistributing or concentrating power within society. In this context, understanding the role of technology in sustainability and how new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can integrate into this process is a significant step in building a sustainable future.

Acemo?lu argues that the impact of technology on society is largely shaped by those who control it. Thus, technology should be considered not just for economic growth but also for its potential contributions to environmental and social sustainability. Technology offers new opportunities to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions, improving resource efficiency, and supporting a circular economy. However, if monopolized by large corporations and governments, these benefits might be limited, possibly deepening economic inequalities.

For instance, as renewable energy technologies develop, their potential to reduce the carbon footprint grows. Yet, if power in energy production is concentrated in a few hands, challenges arise for smaller-scale producers. A more decentralized technological approach could provide a more inclusive solution for sustainability.

Artificial intelligence is one of the most prominent examples of technological advancement today, with potential to increase productivity, optimize resources, and support sustainability. However, Acemo?lu cautions that the development and use of AI are crucial. If AI systems are not managed properly, they could deepen social inequalities and reduce employment, disrupting income distribution. Acemo?lu suggests that for a sustainable approach, AI should be designed to work in harmony with humans and to create jobs rather than replace them. For example, smart systems developed to improve energy efficiency, optimize agricultural production, or provide solutions for reducing carbon emissions demonstrate AI's positive impact on sustainability.

AI has enormous potential to help achieve sustainability goals. AI-supported smart cities can optimize energy consumption, reduce emissions through route optimization in transportation, increase agricultural productivity, and even develop strategies for adapting to climate change. However, as Acemo?lu points out, the direction of this transformation largely depends on the preferences of the institutions that control technology. It is crucial for AI and other technologies to be developed not only with sustainability in mind but also with a focus on social justice and equity.

Especially in terms of sustainability, the environmental impacts of AI—like its energy intensity and the energy consumption of data centers—cannot be overlooked. Therefore, the AI development process must consider environmental sustainability and prioritize more efficient algorithms and systems.

According to Acemo?lu's perspective, achieving a sustainable future requires a democratic and inclusive approach in technological development. The power structures driving technology should prioritize societal benefit and focus on long-term sustainability goals over short-term profit targets. Reshaping technology in this way will not only yield economic benefits but also support environmental and social balance.

In Acemo?lu’s framework, it is crucial to develop a broader vision for technology that allows social equality, environmental sustainability, and economic growth to flourish harmoniously together.

The relationship between technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability carries deep meaning regarding how societal power can be redistributed or concentrated. As Acemo?lu suggests, a technology management approach centered on social benefit and focused on environmental sustainability will allow us to make the most of the opportunities presented by AI and other technological innovations. In this context, reassessing policies governing technology with an approach rooted in inclusivity and fairness will support not only a better present but also a more livable world for future generations.