Artificial Intelligence and Ecological Integrity: A Deep Ecology Analysis of Digital Infrastructure

The accelerated development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the diffusion of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) represent a change in technology with geologic and ecologic consequences. Although the digital economy is discussed as immaterial or cloud-based, the physical infrastructure-hyperscale cloud data centers, massive energy grids, and global mineral chains-imposes an unprecedented load on the planetary biosphere. Although empirical literature on these effects has increased, a critical philosophical examination of their ethical dimension through deep ecology has not taken place. This paper provides that in-depth discussion with the historic roadmap, transcending common environmental impact assessments (EIAs) through the deep ecology of Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess and the political concept of ecological resistance of John Rodman. The analysis demonstrates a conflict between the exponential necessity of the AI boom and planetary system stability. We argue that the current trend goes against the primary principles of deep ecology, i.e. the distinction between vital needs and non-vital wants. We further demonstrate that standard ethical reasoning (also referred to as moral extensionism) cannot be sufficient to solve this crisis because it fails to acknowledge the inherent value of ecological systems undermined by the onslaught of digital profusion. The paper ends by elaborating on a set of Deep Policies transcending efficiency into Digital Sufficiency: mandatory disclosure of AI queries of carbon usage, sustainable energy sources that respect the nonmarket value of nature, and a gradual implementation process beginning with science, technology, and industrial application and community governance mechanisms, proceeding to grassroots access.