The International Monetary Fund has sounded the alarm on the economic upheaval caused by artificial intelligence, urging governments to consider fiscal policies that mitigate the impact of AI on jobs and the environment. The IMF warns that unlike previous technological breakthroughs, generative AI is spreading rapidly and advancing at breakneck speed, with far-reaching consequences for employment and the environment. To counter these effects, the IMF suggests taxing excess profits, introducing a green levy to account for AI-related carbon emissions, and reforming taxation of capital income. The report highlights the need for governments to adapt to the changing landscape, warning that AI could exacerbate inequality and widen the gap between the rich and the poor. The IMF’s recommendations include extending unemployment insurance, targeting social benefits, and gearing education and training towards giving workers new skills. The report also cautions against universal basic income, citing significant fiscal costs. As AI continues to reshape the economy, it’s clear that governments must take proactive steps to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology.

AI’s Economic Impact Demands Fiscal Policy Rethink
“Given the large amount of energy consumed by AI servers, taxing the associated carbon emissions is a good way to reflect the external environmental costs in the price of the technology.”
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