AI: Humanity’s biggest gamble?

The United States is embarking on its largest infrastructure investment
in history, with $10.3 trillion expected for AI and data centres by 2032 –
as experts warn malicious use could pose an extinction-level threat

HISTORIC U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITMENTS
Average annual spending as percentage of GDP

Canals
1836-41
0.66%

Railroads
1870-90
2.24%

Electrification
1905-25
0.5%

Highways
1956-73
1.13%

Telecom and fibre
1996-
2003
1.1%

AI*
2025-32
3.63%

1850
1900
1950
2000

Total investment in overall AI infrastructure
is unprecedented – marking the first time U.S.
economy has been so dependent on build-out
of single industry – adding financial risk

Record investment comes as global threats
assessment by The Lancet Commission
identifies malicious use of AI as one
of only two threats with potential to
cause human extinction by 2100
– alongside nuclear conflict

Commission also identified 15
catastrophic dangers to human
health, including climate change,
naturally occurring pandemics,
obesity and poor mental health

Sources: Lancet, Stijn van Nieuwerburgh
*Estimated spending
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