Ian McEwan warns of paralyzing pessimism regarding AI and climate change

British novelist Ian McEwan has expressed concern regarding the current global climate of anxiety driven by artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions, and the climate crisis. During discussions surrounding his latest novel, ‘What We Can Know’, McEwan suggested that a catastrophe might be required to prompt human action and regulation of AI.

McEwan warned against the dangers of collective pessimism, describing it as a “metaphysical glue” or a “metaphysical desolation” that can have a paralyzing effect on society. He argued that maintaining optimism is a vital responsibility to future generations.

His new novel is set in the year 2119 in a world shaped by climate collapse and mass displacement. While the setting may appear dystopian, McEwan noted that the work is intended as speculation on how history is interpreted and how much can truly be known about the past, rather than a direct prediction of the future.