Potential Benefits and Dangers of Using Large Language Models for Advancing Sustainability Science and Communication

Advancements in large language models (LLMs) provide opportunities to accelerate progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Current research largely overlooks the nuanced benefits and dangers LLMs introduce to sustainability research and communication, as well as broader challenges that need to be addressed in the longer term. This paper overcomes these shortcomings by introducing and discussing a framework that highlights how LLMs can benefit knowledge production, mobilization, and communication in the sustainability sciences, as well as any associated dangers. In addition, it outlines potential long-term challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure the responsible use of LLMs in advancing sustainability science. A key to the development and use of LLMs for sustainability science is the development of regulatory measures. These measures should be guided by what is needed for expanding sustainability science on the one hand and a holistic view to ensure its responsible use on the other. Failure to reflect and act on this might result in unintended consequences or misuse, making the technology another roadblock to progress towards the SDGs.