Environmental Considerations in the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act : An Analysis of the AI Act's Approach to Regulating the Negative Environmental Impact of AI

Sammanfattning

The essay critically examines the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) through the lens of its environmental considerations. The AIA primarily addresses risk classification and human-centric ethical concerns and gives less regard to the environmental impacts of AI, which has led some legal scholars to point to a ‘lack’ of environmental considerations within the AIA. Through a legal analysis, this essay will explore the need for the AIA to include environmental considerations, what environmental considerations are currently embedded within the Act, and whether these are legally sufficient to address the environmental concerns posed by AI in relation to EU environmental goals. Additionally, the essay will investigate whether the AIA can be interpreted in a way that better incorporates environmental protection mechanisms, ensuring that AI development aligns with the EU's broader sustainability and green transition goals. The essay aims to offer a nuanced and informed perspective on the intersection of AI regulation and environmental sustainability. By critically analyzing the current legal framework, the essay seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, an overview of potential interpretations and future challenges in the field.