From an Ethics of Carefulness to an Ethics of Desirability: Going Beyond Current Ethics Approaches to Sustainable AI

‘Sustainable AI’ sets itself apart from other AI ethics frameworks by its inherent regard for the ecological costs of AI, a concern that has so far been woefully overlooked in policy space. Recently, two German-based research and advocacy institutions have published joint report on Sustainability Criteria Artificial Intelligence. This is, to our knowledge, first document space puts sustainability at center considerations. We take this as an opportunity highlight foundational problems we see current debates about guidelines. Although do believe concept potential introduce paradigm shift, question whether suggestions conceptual grounding found strength usher it in. show presenting new example approaches identify approach, which will describe ‘checklist ethics’ ‘ethics carefulness’. argue opt desirability’ approach. can be completed, suggest, reconceptualizing property complex systems. Finally, offer set indications further research.