Comparing Pigouvian Taxation in Climate Change and AI Risk

The chapter explores the complexities of applying Pigouvian taxation in cases of harm caused by AI systems versus carbon emissions. It discusses the challenges of attributing liability in AI harm cases and emphasizes the importance of targeting misalignment rather than imposing a general tax on AI.

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How should the law govern AI? Those concerned about existential risks often push either for bans or for regulations meant to ensure that AI is developed safely - but another approach is possible. In this episode, Gabriel Weil talks about his proposal to modify tort law to enable people to sue AI companies for disasters that are "nearly catastrophic".

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Topics we discuss, and timestamps:

0:00:35 - The basic idea

0:20:36 - Tort law vs regulation

0:29:10 - Weil's proposal vs Hanson's proposal

0:37:00 - Tort law vs Pigouvian taxation

0:41:16 - Does disagreement on AI risk make this proposal less effective?

0:49:53 - Warning shots - their prevalence and character

0:59:17 - Feasibility of big changes to liability law

1:29:17 - Interactions with other areas of law

1:38:59 - How Gabriel encountered the AI x-risk field