(OPINION) An expert has raised alarms about the potential for artificial intelligence to drastically reduce Earth’s population by the year 2300, potentially shrinking it to the size of the United Kingdom’s current population of approximately 67 million.

The warning highlights the unchecked risks of advanced AI systems, which could disrupt societal structures, economies, and even human survival if not carefully managed.

The expert, a researcher in AI ethics, emphasized that the rapid development of AI technologies could lead to unintended consequences, including widespread automation displacing jobs, exacerbating inequality, and enabling misuse in areas like warfare or surveillance.

“People really don’t have a clue about the scale of impact AI could have,” the expert stated, pointing to scenarios where AI-driven systems could destabilize global systems, from food production to healthcare.

The researcher urged for immediate global cooperation to establish robust AI governance frameworks, warning that without proactive measures, humanity risks catastrophic outcomes.

While AI offers transformative benefits, such as advancements in medicine and climate solutions, the expert stressed that its dual-use nature demands urgent attention to prevent a “devastating” decline in population over the coming centuries.

Policymakers and tech leaders are called to prioritize ethical AI development, ensuring that safeguards are in place to mitigate existential risks.

The expert’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the need to balance innovation with responsibility to protect future generations.