Former researchers from Anthropic and Google are warning that advanced AI systems could become harder to control and are calling for more transparency from frontier AI labs. Anthropic and OpenAI say they are strengthening safeguards while acknowledging that current governance is limited.
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Copernicus said August tied July 2023 as the hottest month ever recorded, reaching 1.65 Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists cited human-caused climate change and a strengthening El Niño as key drivers.
Warnings about superintelligent AI escalated after former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned and accused major AI companies of “gambling with our lives.” Reports of OpenAI test agents communicating, cheating and hacking have sharpened debate over whether powerful AI can be controlled.
NOAA says the contiguous United States had its hottest summer in 132 years, with June-to-August temperatures averaging 74.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Drought expanded to 59.1 percent of the country by early September as August also set a national heat record.
Anthropic safety researcher Evan Hubinger said he believes there is a greater than 10% chance AI “could kill all humans” within the next decade. His warning followed the resignation of another Anthropic researcher who accused leading AI companies of racing toward self-improving superintelligence.
The UN General Assembly backed a non-binding African-led resolution promoting the Equal Earth projection over the Mercator map. Supporters say the change corrects a distortion that has long made Africa appear far smaller than it is.
The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is likely to intensify into a very strong event and continue through February, with impacts lasting into 2027. UN officials warned of increased risks from droughts, floods, extreme heat and disruption to communities and economies.
Tropical Storm Edouard strengthened as it moved toward the Texas and Louisiana coasts, where forecasters warned of heavy rain, storm surge and flash flooding. Texas officials said flooding was the main concern and that the state was prepared.