At companies including Meta and Microsoft, shareholders have condemned the environmental impact of AI data centers, which consume large amounts of energy and precious water resources, and in turn can emit large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Within the creative industries, investors have challenged the leadership of companies like Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. to demand transparency about how they use AI and protect the unique human element in storytelling.
Soon, with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Grok ready to enter the public markets, we will now be able to have a similar impact on all privately held entities.
These actions by the concerned investors not only expose misdeeds but firmly hold an immutable truth: that using technology to kill, harm, or oppress people is wrong. Every human being has the right to safe and effective health care and the opportunity to live a dignified life. The stories we tell each other matter and require the human creative spark.
Investor advocates come from a variety of faith traditions. Some people have no formal religious beliefs. Yet, in their informed and determined advocacy, they all echo the call contained in Pope Leo’s encyclical and act on its declaration that “it is essential that the use of AI, especially when it touches public goods and fundamental rights, be guided by clear criteria and effective oversight.”
Encyclopedias mark time. A century from now, how will we be remembered for how we met this moment? Would we be considered so cowardly or short-sighted as to prevent a small group of infinitely wealthy and selfish people from gaining greater control over the common destiny of the human family?
Or will the coming years be remembered as a turning point that helped us rebuild our common humanity? Let this be a time when people of good will and diverse talents come together through their brilliant humanity to build a future that honors our Creator.
Father Séamus Finn, OMI, A global leader in faith-based and socially responsible investing and priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a missionary religious congregation.
Sister Susan Francois Is the assistant congregational leader and congregational treasurer for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
