Solar geoengineering startups are making significant advances
Solar geoengineering seeks to influence the climate by reflecting sunlight back into space. Theoretically, it could mitigate global warming. Yet as enthusiasm for this concept grows, so do worries about possible repercussions.
A startup named Stardust Solutions recently completed a $60 million funding round, marking the largest known to date for a geoengineering business. My colleague James Temple has released a new article detailing the firm and how its rise is inducing anxiety among some researchers.
Until now, the field has been constrained to discussions, suggested academic exploration, and—certainly—a handful of fringe participants worth monitoring. But the situation is evolving rapidly. What implications does this have for geoengineering and the climate? Read the complete article.
—Casey Crownhart
This piece originates from The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. To have it delivered to your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here.
If you wish to delve deeper into solar geoengineering, consider these articles:
+ Why the profit-driven rush into solar geoengineering is detrimental to science and public confidence. Read the full article.
+ Why we require additional studies—including real-world experiments—to make more informed choices regarding such climate strategies.
+ The important takeaways from Harvard’s unsuccessful geoengineering project, which concluded officially last year. Read the full article.
+ How this London nonprofit became a major supporter of geoengineering research.
+ This technology has the potential to change the entire planet. These organizations want every nation to participate.
Essential reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most engaging/important/terrifying/captivating stories concerning technology.
1 OpenAI faces a lawsuit for wrongful death
From the estate of a woman who was killed by her son after he participated in delusion-filled dialogues with ChatGPT. (WSJ $)
+ The chatbot seemingly endorsed Stein-Erik Soelberg’s conspiratorial notions. (WP $)
+ This is the latest in a series of wrongful death lawsuits against chatbot developers. (ABC News)
2 ICE monitors pregnant migrants using specially designed smartwatches
They are restricted from removing the devices, even during childbirth. (The Guardian)
+ Pregnant and postpartum individuals report being held in solitary confinement. (Slate $)
+ Another initiative to track ICE operations has been discontinued. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Meta’s latest AI recruits are struggling to bond with the rest of the company
Tensions escalate between the AGI division and other departments. (NYT $)
+ Mark Zuckerberg is eager to monetize the company’s AI initiatives. (Bloomberg $)
+ What is life like for the remaining Scale AI team? (Insider $)
4 Google DeepMind establishes its premier materials science lab in the UK
It will concentrate on inventing new materials for superconductors and solar cells. (FT $)
5 The new space competition focuses on constructing orbital data centers
And Blue Origin appears to be in the lead. (WSJ $)
+ Numerous companies are striving for their share of the opportunity. (The Verge)
+ Is relocating data centers to space advisable? (MIT Technology Review)
6 Inside the investigation to determine the causes of Parkinson’s
An expanding collection of research indicates it may not be solely genetic. (Wired $)
7 Are you part of TikTok’s cat niche?
If that’s the case, you’ll likely find yourself in these other niches as well. (WP $)
8 Why do our brains experience fatigue? 🧠💤
Researchers are working to uncover the reasons. (Nature $)
9 Microsoft’s CEO has created his own cricket app 🏏
Satya Nadella is passionate about the sound of leather meeting willow. (Bloomberg $)
10 When does vibe coding become excessive?
A journalist’s exploration into the depths of uncertainty. (Rest of World)
+ What exactly is vibe coding? (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“I feel immense sadness looking at his sorrowful expression…I wish for a miracle in the New Year.”
—A child in Russia conveys a message to the Kremlin-affiliated Safe Internet League outlining the effect of the government’s choice to block access to the extremely popular gaming platform Roblox on their sibling, the Washington Post reports.
