Why is it so controversial?: Geoengineering has long been a taboo subject among scientists, and some argue that it should remain so. There are questions about the potential side effects on the environment and concerns that the impacts will be felt unevenly around the world. Some consider it too dangerous to ever try or even investigate, arguing that merely talking about the possibility could weaken the need to address the root causes of climate change.
But does it go further?: Despite concerns, as the threat of climate change grows and major nations fail to make rapid progress on emissions, a growing number of experts are seriously investigating the potential effects of these approaches. Read the full story.
— James Temple
Required reading
I’ve combed the internet to find you the funniest/most important/scary/fascinating stories about technology today.
1 The belief that AI is alive refuses to die
People want to believe that models are sentient, even when their creators deny it. (Reuters)
+ Not surprisingly, wild religious beliefs have found a home in Silicon Valley. (vox)
+ AI systems are being trained twice as fast as last year. (Spectrum IEEE)
2 The FBI has added a missing crypto queen to its most wanted list
It is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Ruja Ignatova, whose crypto scheme defrauded victims of more than $4 billion. (BBC)
+ A new documentary about the crypto Ponzi scheme is in preparation. (variety)
3 Social media platforms turn a blind eye to fake telehealth ads
Which has played a role in the boom in prescription drug abuse. (protocol)
+ The doctor will now zoom in on you. (MIT Technology Review)
4 We are dependent on Chinese lithium batteries
Which is not great news for other countries that make electric cars. (wired $)
+ This battery uses a new anode that lasts 20 times longer than lithium. (Spectrum IEEE)
+ Quantum batteries could, in theory, allow us to drive a million miles between charges. (The Next Web)
5 far-right extremists communicate via radio to avoid detection
It makes it difficult to track them and their violent activities. (Send $)
+ Many of the rioters who stormed the Capitol were carrying radio equipment. (The Guardian)
6 Brother, culture has no place in space 🚀
So says the former deputy administrator of NASA, who is tired of misogyny in the sector. (CNN)
7 The American crypto exchange is becoming more and more popular in Venezuela
It’s helping the growing community fight hyperinflation, but it’s not as decentralized as they believe it to be. (rest of the world)
+ The vast majority of NFT players won’t be around in a decade. (vox)
+ Exchange Coinbase works with ICE to track and identify crypto users. (Interception)
+ If RadioShack’s sharp tweets shock you, don’t forget that it’s now a crypto firm. (NY Mag)
8 It’s time to learn to love our wetlands
Their release prevents them from absorbing CO2 and filtering our waste. (New Yorker $)
+ An architect makes friends with floods. (MIT Technology Review)
9 robots also like to draw 🖍️
Although I bet they don’t get as frustrated as we do when they mess up. (input)
10 The risky world of teenage brains
Making potentially dangerous decisions is an important part of adolescence and our brain reflects this. (Knowable Magazine)
Quote of the day
“They shamelessly celebrate an all-out pool party while we can’t even pay the rent!”
