essay on save nature save future

Essay on Save Environment for Students and Children

500+ words essay on globalization.

Environment refers to the natural surroundings and conditions in which we live. Unfortunately, this Environment has come under serious threat. This threat is almost entirely due to human activities. These human activities have certainly caused serious damage to the Environment. Most noteworthy, this damage risks the survival of living things on Earth. Therefore, there is an urgent need to save the Environment.

Ways of Saving Environment

First of all, planting trees should be given massive attention. Above all, a tree is the source of oxygen. Unfortunately, due to construction, many trees have been cut down. This certainly reduces the amount of oxygen in the environment. Growing more trees means more oxygen. Hence, growing more trees would mean better life quality.

Similarly, people must give attention to forest conservation. Forests are vital for the Environment. However, deforestation certainly reduces the area of forests around the World. The government must launch programs to conserve the forests. The government must make harming forests a criminal offense.

Soil conservation is yet another important way to save the Environment. For this, there must be control of landslides, floods, and soil erosion . Furthermore, there should also be afforestation and tree plantation to conserve the soil. Also, terrace farming and using natural fertilizers are some more ways.

Waste management is a powerful way of protecting the environment. There must be proper disposal of wastes. Most noteworthy, this would help to keep the surroundings healthy. The government must ensure to clean the streets and other polluted land areas. Furthermore, there should be toilets in every house. Also, the government must provide enough public toilets.

Pollution is probably the biggest danger to the Environment. Smoke, dust, and harmful gases cause air pollution. These causes of air pollution come from industries and vehicles mostly. Furthermore, Chemicals and pesticides cause land and water pollution.

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Benefits of Saving Environment

First of all, the world climate will remain normal. Harming the Environment and causing pollution have caused global warming. Due to this many humans and animals have died. Hence, saving the environment would reduce global warming .

The health of people would improve. Due to pollution and deforestation, the health of many people is poor. Conserving the Environment would certainly improve the health of people. Most noteworthy, saving Environment would reduce many diseases.

Saving Environment would certainly protect the animals. Extinction of many species will not take place due to saving Environment. Many endangered species would also increase in population.

The water level would rise. Damage to Environment has severely reduced the level of groundwater. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of clean drinking water around the World. Due to this, many people fell ill and die. Saving Environment would certainly avoid such problems.

In conclusion, Environment is a precious gift on this planet. Our Environment is facing a big danger. Saving Environment is the need of the hour. Probably, it is the biggest concern of Humanity right now. Any delay in this regard could be disastrous.

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Save Nature Essay

Introduction

We are always happy to get gifts from others, as they make us feel special and valued. Nature is such a gift given to us that it must be treated equally like any other gift. We might think that since nature and its resources are available for free, we can utilise them in whichever way we want. This approach towards nature is not good, and this is what is discussed in this save our nature essay.

The minute we step out of our homes, we are entering the space of nature, and everything we see around us forms a part of it. The plants, trees, flowers, sky, soil, water, sun, insects, and wind all fall under nature. Therefore, we must keep our nature as beautiful as it is.

Importance of Saving Nature

Even though nature has a significant role in supporting our lives, each component has a specific role in maintaining the balance of nature. While we get food to eat, air to breathe and water to drink from nature, we also enjoy the natural beauty and sounds as they lift our moods. Nature provides us with many resources, and we return its kindness by overexploiting and harming nature. Thus, as people living on Earth, we need to be conscious of our actions on surroundings that disrupt its natural flow.

Human activities are the main villain that harms nature. Earlier, it was not evident the dangerous effects of human exploitation on nature. When we think that we have only cut down a single tree, which might not damage nature, remember that there would be hundreds of others who think like you. So, one tree becomes hundreds, thousands and millions. At this pace, nature will soon exhaust its resources, and we will be suffering from various natural disasters and diseases. To put it simply, our mere existence would be threatened. This is why we need to preserve nature. In this how to save nature essay, we explore a few ways to coexist with nature.

Ways to Save Nature

We must be mindful of the fact that though nature has infinite resources, they will soon get depleted if we use them carelessly. As people started moving to cities, this led to the clearance of land and deforestation. The impact is environmental threats, such as green gas emissions, global warming, extinction of natural flora and fauna, etc. And the price we will have to pay will be huge.

To save ourselves from natural calamities and protect nature, let us move towards sustainable practices. By using eco-friendly products and discarding plastic and other non-degradable materials, we are doing a huge favour to our nature. We can also join our hands to reduce pollution by segregating wastes, using public transport and avoiding the use of pesticides. This save our nature essay from BYJU’S will be helpful for children to understand that if we take care of these trivial things, we can ensure the long life of nature.

You can explore more essays similar to the save nature essay on BYJU’S website to enhance kids’ learning experience. Also, access a wide range of kid-friendly learning resources on the website.

What is meant by nature?

The things that we see around us, which are not made by humans, constitute nature. It includes all living and nonliving things like air, water, sun, wind, animals, trees, mountains, oceans, etc.

What are some of the ways to save nature?

We can save nature if we stop over utilising the resources given to us by nature. We must preserve our environment as it is and not loot its materials. Moreover, we must take an environment-friendly approach, which must be reflected in our actions.

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Essay on Save Earth: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Nov 11, 2023

There is a popular saying that goes, ’You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Well, then why harm the planet that is providing for you?’ We all should know that our planet Earth is the only planet where life can exist. Our planet provides us with basic necessities such as water, air, food to eat, and much more. So if you want to save our planet Earth for yourself and for the coming future generations then do give this blog a read. Today we will be talking about how you can save your planet Earth by taking all the required measures. We have also listed some sample essay on Save Earth which will help you to talk about the same in public. 

Table of Contents

• 1 Why is Saving Earth so Important?
• 2 Essay on Save Earth in 100 Words
• 3 Essay on Save Earth in 150 Words
• 4 Essay on Save Earth in 200 Words

Why is Saving Earth so Important?

Our planet Earth is the only planet that provides us with raw materials, oxygen, food which we need for fuel, and other essential materials.  

There are a number of reasons why saving the Earth is so important:

• Our Earth is the only planet that supports life. Despite signs of organic molecules and water on other planets and moons, life is only known to exist on Earth. There would be nowhere else for us to go if not Earth.
• Our Earth provides us with basic necessities such as medicine, food, clean water, and air to breathe. 
• The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which traps heat and warms the earth. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and more extreme weather events are just a few of the negative effects of climate change that are already being felt.

Also Read: Essay on Social Issues

Essay on Save Earth in 100 Words

The only planet in the cosmos that is known to sustain life is Earth. Since it is our home, we must take care of it.

There are numerous reasons why protecting the planet is crucial. To begin with, it is our only place of residence. There won’t be somewhere else for us to go if we destroy Earth. Second, Earth gives us food, water, air, and shelter—everything we require to survive. Third, a wide variety of biodiversity exists on Earth, which is vital to human health.

Unfortunately, the health of Earth is being threatened by human activity. Among the difficulties we confront are deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

To save the Earth, we can all do our part. Here are some actions you may take:

• Cut back on the use of fossil fuels. Make more of an effort to walk or bike, drive less, and take public transit wherever you can.
• Make the switch to alternative energy sources like wind and solar energy.
• At home, use less energy and water.
• Reduce trash via composting and recycling.
• Encourage companies and groups that are engaged in environmental protection.

Both our own life and the survival of future generations depend on saving the planet. We can contribute to ensuring that our planet is healthy and habitable for many years to come by acting now.

Also Read: Essay on Save Environment: Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

Essay on Save Earth in 150 Words

Since the Earth is our home, it is up to us to preserve it. However, the health of the planet is in danger due to human activity. Among the difficulties we confront are deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

The most important environmental issue of our day is climate change. Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, which causes the earth to warm. Among the detrimental repercussions of climate change that are already being felt are rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and an increase in extreme weather occurrences.

Pollution poses a serious threat to Earth as well. Among the materials we use to damage the air, water, and land are chemicals, plastics, and trash. Not only can pollution harm humans and wildlife, but it can also ruin ecosystems.

Deforestation is another issue. In this, the trees are removed and instead, buildings are constructed.  Forests filter water in addition to providing habitat for species and regulating the climate. Deforestation is one of the primary causes of both climate change and biodiversity loss.

We must take action to safeguard Earth from these threats. We can potentially reduce our carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy sources and consuming less energy. We can also reduce pollution by using less plastic, recycling, and composting. We can also safeguard forests by planting trees and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Preserving the planet is essential for our own existence as well as that of future generations. To keep our world safe, each of us has a responsibility.

Also Read: Essay on Unity in Diversity in 100 to 200 Words

Essay on Save Earth in 200 Words

The only planet in the solar system where humanity can survive is Earth. Since our planet gives us access to fundamental essentials like clean water, fresh air, and food to eat, it is our duty as humans to make sure that it is habitable for future generations.

We can see that, among all the urgent problems, one of the most significant ones that affect humanity is climate change. Among the detrimental repercussions of climate change that are already being felt are rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and an increase in extreme weather occurrences.

Pollution is another major problem. The majority of the materials that are key to pollution of the air, water, and land are harmful chemicals, plastics that are carelessly thrown away, and other materials. This is not only harmful to humans and wildlife but also to the environment. 

Deforestation is the third main issue; it is the removal of trees for construction or other purposes, like agriculture. One of the main contributors to both climate change and biodiversity loss is deforestation. Consequently, we need to act to defend Earth from these dangers. 

We hope this essay on Save Earth helped you with some knowledge of some of the pressing issues we face on a daily basis and what we can do to save our planet. 

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We can conserve the globe by avoiding contamination of the Earth and its natural resources, including the air and water.

Reducing carbon emissions is the first step towards saving our planet. This can be done by using environmentally friendly resources, conserving water and following the Reduce, Reuse and Recycling practices.

Clearing forest areas for agricultural, human settlement or any other commercial activities is known as deforestation.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Essay on Save Environment for Future Generation

The Earth, our home, is facing an urgent challenge: the need to save our environment for the benefit of future generations. It’s a call to action that requires our immediate attention and collective effort. In this essay, we will explore the reasons behind the importance of saving the environment, the consequences of neglect, and the ways we can take meaningful steps to secure a sustainable future.

The Gift of a Healthy Environment

Our environment provides us with clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and fertile soil to grow our food. Preserving these resources ensures that future generations can enjoy a high quality of life.

The Impact of Human Activities

Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption, are harming the environment. These actions threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems and endanger the future of our planet.

Climate Change and Global Warming

One of the most pressing environmental issues is climate change. The burning of fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are causing temperatures to rise, leading to more extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

Biodiversity Loss

The loss of biodiversity is another critical concern. Habitats are being destroyed, leading to the extinction of numerous plant and animal species. Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of ecosystems.

Consequences for Future Generations

If we fail to act, future generations will inherit a world with polluted air, water scarcity, and the devastating effects of climate change. This is an inheritance we must strive to prevent.

Our Responsibility

As caretakers of the Earth, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect our environment. It is our duty to ensure that future generations can thrive on a healthy planet.

The Importance of Conservation

Conservation efforts, such as reforestation, waste reduction, and sustainable practices, play a crucial role in saving the environment. These actions help mitigate the damage we have caused.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices

Transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing plastic waste, and practicing sustainable agriculture are all steps we can take to lessen our impact on the environment.

Education and Advocacy

Education is a powerful tool for change. By raising awareness and advocating for environmental protection, we can inspire others to take action and make a difference.

Conclusion of Essay on Save Environment for Future Generation

In conclusion, the call to save our environment for future generations is not just a responsibility but a moral imperative. The consequences of neglecting our environment are far-reaching and affect all aspects of life on Earth. It’s our duty to take immediate and sustained action to mitigate these challenges and secure a sustainable future. Through conservation, sustainable practices, education, and advocacy, we can protect our planet and leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for the generations to come. Let us remember that the Earth is not just our home; it belongs to future generations as well. Our actions today will determine the world they inherit, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is a world worth inheriting.

Also Check: The Essay on Essay: All you need to know

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Essay on Save Environment

Students are often asked to write an essay on Save Environment in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Save Environment

Understanding the environment.

Our environment is our home. It includes everything around us: air, water, plants, animals, and humans. We all live together, depending on each other for survival.

Why Should We Save the Environment?

We should save the environment because it provides us with everything we need: food, shelter, and air to breathe. Without a healthy environment, we cannot live healthy lives.

How Can We Save the Environment?

We can save the environment by reducing pollution, recycling waste, and planting trees. Small actions by everyone can make a big difference. Let’s all work together to save our environment!

Also check:

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250 Words Essay on Save Environment

The urgency of environmental conservation.

The environment is the lifeblood of our existence, a complex network of interrelated systems that sustain us. Yet, in our pursuit of development, we are causing irreversible damage to it, leading to a pressing need for environmental conservation.

The Human Impact

Human activities, particularly industrialization and deforestation, are the primary culprits of environmental degradation. These actions lead to air and water pollution, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Climate change, a consequence of excessive greenhouse gas emissions, is perhaps the most significant threat, causing rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events.

The Need for Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. We need to balance our economic growth with environmental preservation. Adopting green technologies, reducing waste, and promoting renewable energy are some of the steps towards this. Policy changes, such as enforcing stricter environmental regulations and incentivizing sustainable practices, can also play a significant role.

The Role of Education

Education is a powerful tool in this endeavor. By integrating environmental education into curricula, we can foster a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens. College students, in particular, can contribute significantly by engaging in research, advocacy, and innovation in sustainability.

In conclusion, saving the environment is a collective responsibility that requires immediate action. As we stand at this critical juncture, we must remember that our survival is intrinsically tied to the health of our environment. Every effort, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Save Environment

Introduction.

The environment, our life-support system, is the bedrock upon which the edifice of human civilization stands. Its preservation is a prerequisite for the sustainability of our planet and the survival of future generations. The urgency to save the environment has never been greater, given the escalating environmental crises such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

The Imperative of Environmental Conservation

The environment is a complex web of interdependencies among living organisms and their physical surroundings. This intricate network, evolved over billions of years, ensures the planet’s equilibrium and sustains life. However, anthropogenic activities have disrupted this balance, leading to environmental degradation. The fallout of such actions is evident in the form of global warming, air and water pollution, and dwindling wildlife populations. Thus, environmental conservation is not just an ethical obligation but a survival strategy.

Climate Change: A Pressing Concern

The most pressing environmental issue today is climate change, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that a global temperature rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius could have catastrophic impacts. These include extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and threats to biodiversity. Saving the environment, in this context, means transitioning to a low-carbon economy, embracing renewable energy, and promoting energy efficiency.

Deforestation: An Unseen Enemy

Deforestation is another significant environmental challenge. Forests, often termed the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ sequester carbon, regulate climate, and harbor a significant portion of the planet’s biodiversity. However, they are being razed at an alarming rate for agriculture, logging, and urbanization. Conserving and expanding forest cover is a critical step in our endeavor to save the environment.

Biodiversity Loss: The Silent Crisis

The loss of biodiversity is a silent crisis unfolding before us. Species are becoming extinct at an unprecedented rate, primarily due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. This loss is not just about the disappearance of species but also the weakening of ecosystems and the services they provide. Preserving biodiversity is, therefore, a key component of environmental conservation.

Saving the environment is no longer a choice but a necessity for our survival. It requires a paradigm shift from viewing nature as a resource to be exploited to a life-support system to be nurtured. Sustainable development, which reconciles economic growth with environmental protection, offers a promising way forward. It is a shared responsibility that calls for collective action at the individual, community, national, and international levels. The choices we make today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. Let it be one of stewardship and respect for the planet that sustains us.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Eco Friendly Environment
• Essay on Environment and Development
• Essay on Enabling Learning Environment

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Students Are Likely Writing Millions of Papers With AI

Students have submitted more than 22 million papers that may have used generative AI in the past year, new data released by plagiarism detection company Turnitin shows.

A year ago, Turnitin rolled out an AI writing detection tool that was trained on its trove of papers written by students as well as other AI-generated texts. Since then, more than 200 million papers have been reviewed by the detector, predominantly written by high school and college students. Turnitin found that 11 percent may contain AI-written language in 20 percent of its content, with 3 percent of the total papers reviewed getting flagged for having 80 percent or more AI writing. (Turnitin is owned by Advance, which also owns Condé Nast, publisher of WIRED.) Turnitin says its detector has a false positive rate of less than 1 percent when analyzing full documents.

ChatGPT’s launch was met with knee-jerk fears that the English class essay would die . The chatbot can synthesize information and distill it near-instantly—but that doesn’t mean it always gets it right. Generative AI has been known to hallucinate , creating its own facts and citing academic references that don’t actually exist. Generative AI chatbots have also been caught spitting out biased text on gender and race . Despite those flaws, students have used chatbots for research, organizing ideas, and as a ghostwriter . Traces of chatbots have even been found in peer-reviewed, published academic writing .

Teachers understandably want to hold students accountable for using generative AI without permission or disclosure. But that requires a reliable way to prove AI was used in a given assignment. Instructors have tried at times to find their own solutions to detecting AI in writing, using messy, untested methods to enforce rules , and distressing students. Further complicating the issue, some teachers are even using generative AI in their grading processes.

Detecting the use of gen AI is tricky. It’s not as easy as flagging plagiarism, because generated text is still original text. Plus, there’s nuance to how students use gen AI; some may ask chatbots to write their papers for them in large chunks or in full, while others may use the tools as an aid or a brainstorm partner.

Students also aren't tempted by only ChatGPT and similar large language models. So-called word spinners are another type of AI software that rewrites text, and may make it less obvious to a teacher that work was plagiarized or generated by AI. Turnitin’s AI detector has also been updated to detect word spinners, says Annie Chechitelli, the company’s chief product officer. It can also flag work that was rewritten by services like spell checker Grammarly, which now has its own generative AI tool . As familiar software increasingly adds generative AI components, what students can and can’t use becomes more muddled.

Detection tools themselves have a risk of bias. English language learners may be more likely to set them off; a 2023 study found a 61.3 percent false positive rate when evaluating Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams with seven different AI detectors. The study did not examine Turnitin’s version. The company says it has trained its detector on writing from English language learners as well as native English speakers. A study published in October found that Turnitin was among the most accurate of 16 AI language detectors in a test that had the tool examine undergraduate papers and AI-generated papers.

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Schools that use Turnitin had access to the AI detection software for a free pilot period, which ended at the start of this year. Chechitelli says a majority of the service’s clients have opted to purchase the AI detection. But the risks of false positives and bias against English learners have led some universities to ditch the tools for now. Montclair State University in New Jersey announced in November that it would pause use of Turnitin’s AI detector. Vanderbilt University and Northwestern University did the same last summer.

“This is hard. I understand why people want a tool,” says Emily Isaacs, executive director of the Office of Faculty Excellence at Montclair State. But Isaacs says the university is concerned about potentially biased results from AI detectors, as well as the fact that the tools can’t provide confirmation the way they can with plagiarism. Plus, Montclair State doesn’t want to put a blanket ban on AI, which will have some place in academia. With time and more trust in the tools, the policies could change. “It’s not a forever decision, it’s a now decision,” Isaacs says.

Chechitelli says the Turnitin tool shouldn’t be the only consideration in passing or failing a student. Instead, it’s a chance for teachers to start conversations with students that touch on all of the nuance in using generative AI. “People don’t really know where that line should be,” she says.

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Israel's use of AI to find targets in Gaza offers a terrifying glimpse at where warfare could be headed

• Israel's reported use of AI in its war against Hamas is highlighting many of the problems concerning future warfare.
• Inaccuracy and lack of meaningful human oversight could lead to errors and tragedy. 
• There are military benefits to AI, but the tools to keep it in check aren't coming fast enough. 

Artificial intelligence is playing a key and, by some accounts, highly disturbing role in Israel's war in Gaza.

Recent investigative reports suggest the Israeli military let an AI program take the lead on targeting thousands of Hamas operatives in the early days of the fighting and may have played a part in rash and imprecise kills, rampant destruction, and thousands of civilian casualties . The IDF flatly rejects this assertion.

The reporting offers a terrifying glimpse into where warfare could be headed, experts told Business Insider, and a clear example of how bad things can get if humans take a back seat to new technology like AI, especially in life-or-death matters .

"It's been the central argument when we've been talking about autonomous systems, AI, and lethality in war," Mick Ryan, a retired Australian major general and strategist focusing on evolutions in warfare, told BI. "The decision to kill a human is a very big one."

Earlier this month, a joint investigation by +972 Magazine and Local Call revealed Israel's Defense Force had been using an AI program named "Lavender" to generate suspected Hamas targets on the Gaza Strip, citing interviews with six anonymous Israeli intelligence officers.

The report alleges the IDF heavily relied on Lavender and essentially treated its information on who to kill "as if it were a human decision," sources said. Once a Palestinian was linked to Hamas and their home was located, sources said, the IDF effectively rubber-stamped the machine decision, barely taking more than a few seconds to review it themselves.

The speed of Israel's targeting put little effort into trying to reduce the harm to civilians nearby, the joint investigation found.

Last fall, details of Israel's Gospel program came to light, revealing that the system took Israel's target generation ability from roughly 50 a year to more than 100 each day.

When asked about the report on Lavender, the IDF referred BI to a statement posted on X by IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. (S.) Nadav Shoshani, who wrote last week that "The IDF does not use AI systems that choose targets for attack. Any other claim shows lack of sufficient knowledge of IDF processes."

Shoshani characterized the system as a cross-checking database that "is designed to aid human analysis, not to replace it." But there are potential risks all the same.

Israel isn't the only country exploring the potential of AI in warfare, and this research is coupled with increasing focus on the use of unmanned systems, as the world is frequently seeing in Ukraine and elsewhere. In this space, anxieties over killer robots are no longer science fiction.

"Just as AI is becoming more commonplace in our work and personal lives, so too in our wars," Peter Singer, a future warfare expert at the New America think tank, told BI, explaining that "we are living through a new industrial revolution, and just like the last one with mechanization, our world is being transformed, both for better and for worse."

AI is developing faster than the tools to keep it in check

Experts said that Israel's reported use of Lavender raises a host of concerns that have long been at the heart of the debate on AI in future warfare .

Many countries, including the US, Russia, and China, have been prioritizing the implementation of AI programs into their militaries. The US' Project Maven , which has since 2017 made major strides to assist troops on-the-ground by sifting through overwhelming amounts of incoming data, is just one example.

The technology, however, has often developed at faster pace than governments can keep up.

According to Ryan, the general trend "is that technology and battlefield requirements are outstripping the consideration of the legal and ethical issues around the application of AI in warfare."

In other words, things are moving too quickly.

"There's just no way that current government and bureaucratic systems of policymaking around these things could keep up," Ryan said, adding that they may "never catch up."

Last November, many governments raised concerns at a United Nations conference that new laws were needed to govern the use of lethal autonomous programs, AI-driven machines involved in making decisions to kill human beings.

But some nations, particularly ones who are currently leading the way in developing and deploying these technologies, were reluctant to impose new restrictions. Namely, the US , Russia, and Israel all appeared particularly hesitant to support new international laws on the matter.

"Many militaries have said, 'Trust us, we'll be responsible with this technology,'" Paul Scharre, an autonomous weapons expert at the Center for New American Security, told BI. But many people are not likely to trust a lack of oversight, and the use of AI by some countries, such as Israel, doesn't give much confidence that militaries are always going to use the new technology responsibly.

A program such as Lavender, as it has been reported, doesn't sound like science fiction, Scharre said, and is very in line with how global militaries are aiming to use AI .

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A military would be "going through this process of collecting information, analyzing it, making sense of it, and making the decisions about which targets to attack, whether they're people as part of some insurgent network or organization, or they could be military objectives like tanks or artillery pieces," he told BI.

The next step is moving all of that information into a targeting plan , linking it to specific weapons or platforms, and then actually acting on the plan.

It's time-consuming, and in Israel's case, there's likely been a desire to develop a lot of targets very quickly, Scharre said.

Experts have expressed concerns over the accuracy of such AI targeting programs . Israel's Lavender program reportedly pulls data from a variety of information channels, such as social media and phone usage, to determine targets.

In the +972 Magazine and Local Call report, sources say the program's 90% accuracy rate was deemed acceptable. The glaring issue there is the remaining 10%. That's a substantial number of errors given the scale of Israel's air war and the significant increase in available targets provided by AI.

And the AI is always learning , for better or for worse. With every use, these programs gain knowledge and experience that they then employ in future decision-making. With an accuracy rate of 90%, as the reporting indicates, Lavender's machine learning could be reinforcing both its correct and incorrect kills, Ryan told BI. "We just don't know," he said.

Letting AI do the decision-making in war

Future warfare could see AI working in tandem with humans to process vast amounts of data and suggest potential courses of action in the heat of battle. But there are several possibilities that could taint such a partnership.

The gathered data could be too much for humans to process or understand. If an AI program is processing massive amounts of information to make a list of possible targets, it could reach a point where humans are quickly overwhelmed and unable to meaningfully contribute to decision-making.

There's also the possibility of moving too quickly and making assumptions based on the data, which increases the likelihood that mistakes are made.

International Committee Red Cross Military and Armed Group Adviser Ruben Stewart and Legal Adviser Georgia Hinds wrote about such a problem back in October 2023.

"One touted military advantage of AI is the increase in tempo of decision-making it would give a user over their adversary. Increased tempo often creates additional risks to civilians, which is why techniques that reduce the tempo, such as 'tactical patience,' are employed to reduce civilian casualties," they said.

In the quest to move quickly, humans could take their hands off the wheel, trusting the AI with little oversight.

According to the +972 Magazine and Local Call report, AI-picked targets were only reviewed for about 20 seconds, typically just to ensure the potential kill was male, before a strike was authorized.

The recent reporting raises serious questions about to what extent a human being was "in the loop" during the decision-making process. According to Singer, it's also a potential "illustration of what is sometimes known as 'automation bias,'" which is a situation "where the human deludes themselves into thinking that because the machine provided the answer, it must be true."

"So while a human is 'in the loop,' they aren't doing the job that is assumed of them," Singer added.

Last October, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric, made a joint call that militaries "must act now to preserve human control over the use of force" in combat.

"Human control must be retained in life and death decisions. The autonomous targeting of humans by machines is a moral line that we must not cross," they said. "Machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement should be prohibited by international law."

But while there are risks, AI could have many military benefits , such as helping humans process a wide range of data and sources in order to allow them to make informed decisions, as well as survey a variety of options for how to handle situations.

A meaningful "human in the loop" cooperation could be useful, but at the end of the day, it comes down to the human holding up their end of such a relationship — in other words, retaining authority and control of the AI.

"For the entirety of human existence, we've been tool and machine users," Ryan, the retired major general, said. "We are the masters of machines, whether you're piloting aircraft, driving a ship or tank."

But with many of these new autonomous systems and algorithms, he said, militaries won't be using machines , but rather "partnering with them."

Many militaries aren't prepared for such a shift. As Ryan and Clint Hinote wrote in a War on the Rocks commentary earlier this year, "in the coming decade, military institutions may realize a situation where uncrewed systems outnumber humans."

At present, the tactics, training, and leadership models of military institutions are designed for military organizations that are primarily human, and those humans exercise close control of the machines," they wrote.

"Changing education and training to prepare humans for partnering with machines — not just using them — is a necessary but difficult cultural evolution," they said. But that remains a work in progress for many militaries.

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