The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the global workforce, now present in about 60% of jobs, is sparking urgent debates about the future of employment and its broader societal implications. Expert investor Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management, has voiced profound concerns about the potential erosion of job opportunities and the daily structure and community contribution they provide. “I find the resulting outlook for employment terrifying,” Marks wrote in a recent blog post. “I am enormously concerned about what will happen to the people whose jobs AI renders unnecessary, or who can’t find jobs because of it.”
Marks’ worries extend beyond economic impacts to the emotional and social fabric of society. He argues that proposals like universal basic income, advocated by tech leaders such as Elon Musk, do not adequately address the deeper issues of job loss, including the loss of daily routine, a sense of contribution, and self-respect. “Employment provides us with daily structure, a sense of contribution, and self-respect,” Marks emphasized. He envisions a troubling scenario where individuals receive government payments but lack meaningful roles or connections within their communities.
The “godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton, has identified mundane, non-physical roles as the most vulnerable to AI disruption. “So, a good bet would be to be a plumber,” Hinton suggested, highlighting the resilience of jobs that require physical presence and hands-on skills. This sentiment is echoed by data from the International Monetary Fund, which found that roughly 60% of roles in advanced economies already use AI, with half of those facing reduced labor demand or wage pressure.
The societal impact of AI extends beyond employment. Technology advisor Kate O’Neill, in a TED Talk cited by Business Insider, argued that AI weakens our ability to create meaning from lived experience. This raises questions about how societies will adapt socially and emotionally if paid work declines.
The environmental and financial costs of AI are also significant. Training and running large-scale AI models require data centers that consume substantial amounts of water, produce e-waste, and strain financial resources. Major tech companies are spending more than ever on AI at a pace not seen in 30 years, according to industry expert Jim Covello.
In response to these challenges, Ronnie Chatterji, OpenAI’s chief economist, is teaching his children critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and flexibility to prepare them for a rapidly changing job market. Tech leaders like Musk advocate for developing skills that AI cannot easily mimic, underscoring the need for adaptability and creativity in the face of technological disruption.
As AI continues to reshape the workforce, the water, sanitation, and drainage sector must consider how these changes will impact its labor landscape. The sector, which relies heavily on skilled and semi-skilled labor, may see a shift in demand for certain roles. For instance, while AI could automate routine tasks such as data analysis and monitoring, jobs requiring physical presence and hands-on skills, like plumbing and field maintenance, may remain resilient. However, the sector must also prepare for potential disruptions in labor demand and wage pressure, as seen in other industries.
Moreover, the environmental impact of AI’s data centers could influence the water and sanitation sector’s own sustainability efforts. As data centers consume significant amounts of water, the sector may need to collaborate with tech companies to develop more efficient and sustainable water management practices. This could involve investing in water recycling technologies, improving water use efficiency, and exploring alternative water sources.
The societal implications of AI-driven job loss also present an opportunity for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector to innovate. As Marks highlighted, employment provides structure, contribution, and self-respect. The sector could explore ways to create meaningful roles and community connections, such as through apprenticeship programs, community engagement initiatives, and partnerships with local educational institutions. By doing so, the sector can help mitigate the social impacts of AI-driven job loss and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into the global workforce presents both challenges and opportunities for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector. By proactively addressing potential disruptions in labor demand, collaborating with tech companies on sustainability efforts, and fostering meaningful roles and community connections, the sector can navigate the complexities of the AI age and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive future.