AI + synthetic biology: What could possibly go wrong?
Modern humans have come to believe that new technology is better and also benign. The downsides of AI and synthetic biology are already visible. Now, they are being combined.
Environment featured
The Superorganism and the Self
In today’s Frankly, Nate navigates the delicate balance between systems thinking and the profound emotional weight of the realities we face.
Suzanne Simard: “Rooted in Connection: Exploring the Hidden Ties in Earth’s Forests”
In this episode, Nate welcomes forest ecologist Suzanne Simard to explore the forces that shape forest ecosystems, from the critical role of biodiversity in nutrient dispersal among tree species to the worrisome implications of the monoculture and clear-cutting practices common in the timber industry.
Plastic Plastic Everywhere, including in what we drink
Does this plastic orgy simply continue until we’re all reproductively compromised and the problem solves itself? Or is there a solution to the plastic world we’re entombing ourselves in?
PFAS – Poisoned for Eternity? (documentary film review)
The film explores how these synthetic “forever chemicals”–widely used in products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams and waterproof clothing–have infiltrated soil, water and everyday products
Single point of failure: Hurricane Helene and high-tech’s low-tech vulnerability
Supply chain problems keep popping up as industries fail to recognize their vulnerabilities. A little-known and critical vulnerability for the tech industry just made itself visible in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Where Fire Back Means Land Back
As Jackson’s traditional ecological knowledge tells him, this is the kind of growth the landscape will see again as the Cow Creek Umpqua manage fire for open and clear savannas, benefiting the land and people there for generations to come.
What Art Is Not
Art is not a cheap alternative to an advertising agency or a sophisticated extension of the communications department, and the urgency of the message doesn’t change this
Integrating Mitigation and Adaptation for Sustainable Solutions
To ensure a comprehensive climate response, both mitigation and adaptation strategies are essential. Mitigation helps prevent further damage, while adaptation prepares communities to cope with changes that are already occurring or are inevitable. Together, they can help build a sustainable and resilient future.
Torrey pines: Mistakes and progress [Western USA]
One thing I have learned for certain, though, is that hubris is the main threat to the successful practice of ecosystem restoration and rewilding. We need to be open to the need for refinement.
An insider’s view on just climate action in Zambia
“Since I was young I’ve been thinking about how I could both improve my own situation and help develop my country. ‘How can we make people’s livelihoods better?’ The answer is that the only way to improve the quality of life of people in rural areas and poor people in settlements is if top levels of government commit to invest in development and protecting the environment.”
Stefan Rahmstorf: “Global Heating 101: Rapid-Fire Answers to the Biggest Climate Questions”
In this episode, ocean and climate physicist Stefan Rahmstorf joins Nate for an overview on the most common questions and misconceptions concerning the state of the climate, including the nuances of what our future planetary home might look like.
