How widespread use of generative AI for images and video can affect the
environment and the science of ecology
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) models will have broad impacts
on society including the scientific enterprise; ecology and
environmental science will be no exception. Here we discuss the
potential opportunities and risks of advanced generative AI for visual
material (images and video) for ecology and the environment. There are
clearly opportunities for positive impacts, related to improved
communication, for example; we also see possibilities for ecological
research to profit from generative AI (e.g., image gap filling,
biodiversity surveys, and improved citizen science). However, there are
also risks, threatening to undermine the credibility of our science,
mostly related to actions of bad actors, for example in terms of
spreading fake information or committing fraud. Risks need to be
mitigated at the level of government regulatory measures, but we also
highlight what can be done right now, including discussing issues with
the next generation of ecologists, and transforming towards radically
open science workflows.