World Futures Fall 2021

This article discusses a number of implementations of facial-recognition technology, and while this can make the specific use run smoother, there are concerns about what is done with the scans. They also discuss a number of outlandish uses - in Shenzhen, pedestrians who crossed the road at a red light had their faces beamed on to a billboard. Trying to weigh the benefits realized by the specific uses with the privacy compromise of the scanned images and how they are used. And while the data is publicly used only for specific applications there are endless opportunities to misuse the data.

Called "Xavier," the robots are equipped with seven cameras that enable them to detect "undesirable social behaviour," for instance if you incorrectly park your bike, if you smoke in an unauthorised area or if social distancing is not being respected. "If the robot is around and something happens, the people in the control room will have a trace and will be able to see what happened", he said. This type of activity can have huge social impacts: paranoia with anything and everything you do. Who decides 'undesirable social behavior'? How about when only part of the scenario is captured by the robot, who is believed? You or the robot? What's next - a taser-armed robot, with someone in a room with a joystick ready to deploy? On do we eventually get so many robots that we just let them decide? And how about let's hack in to a few thousand of those armed robots…

Satellite images show China has built mock-ups of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and destroyer in its northwestern desert, possibly for practice for a future naval clash as tensions rise between the nations. Provocation involving superpowers is typically a bad idea. It's hard to understand the value in an action like this, given that China likely knows a bit about our satellite reconnaissance technology. It's a strange mentality and makes one wonder what sort of response they are hoping for.

McKinsey article, a 'proposal for business, government, and society leaders.' 'We propose a way for changemakers in business, government, and society to explore the problem, a mental model that might offer the best chance to reach the answer.' The article believes all three changes are needed and are synergistic. To find a way to make progress in all three areas would be significant and would be beneficial for all.

University of Utah mechanical engineering professor Jake J. Abbott is leading a team of researchers that has discovered a method to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets. With this technology, robots could one day gently maneuver the scrap to a decaying orbit or further out into space without actually touching it, or they could repair malfunctioning objects to extend their life. Space debris mitigation is a growing problem without a solution, and the objects are travelling so fast that impact of even a small piece of debris with a valuable asset can render it useless. This technology allows moving the objects 'in six degrees of movement, including rotating them', as well as 'control where the debris goes without physically grabbing it.' The tactical value of space assets continues to grow, and being able to control them without contact could be a valuable capability.

ZeroAvia announced a development collaboration with Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines, for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying 76-seat regional aircraft in excess of 500 NM. Alaska is also joining the list of top investors for the company, alongside a fellow Seattle-based Amazon Climate Pledge Fund and Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Alaska Airlines has also secured options for up to 50 kits to begin converting its regional aircraft to hydrogen-electric power through ZeroAvia's zero-emission powertrain. Zero emission would be a huge step, and nice to see Bezos and Gates both involved.

Wow, check out the picture of the Meat 3-D printer on this article. "The "meat" is 3D printed, and the mimicry is extraordinary. The molecules of difference that create the flavour of beef, as distinct from that of lamb, are few but extremely powerful. This is certainly the closest synthetic approximation yet."

New York's attorney general ordered two unlicensed cryptocurrency lending platforms to cease operating in the state as authorities continue to clamp down on crypto firms over fraud concerns.

U.S. cryptocurrency markets and related platforms will "not end well" if they stay outside the purview of regulators, according to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler.

As crypto evolves into a mainstream consumer product, complaints to the CFPB about the sector have already exceeded 1,700 this year, compared with 982 all of last year and 488 in 2019. With the industry's growth have come calls for regulatory checks. Many in the regulatory community believe the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is gearing up to launch enforcement actions against cryptocurrency firms. But that could revive a debate about the limits of CFPB power.

The Treasury Department is moving to rein in a new class of cryptocurrencies whose popularity as a payment method is skyrocketing, citing a need to head off potential risks to consumers and to the financial system. So-called stablecoins - payment tokens that differ from other cryptocurrencies because their value is often pegged to the U.S. dollar - are drawing scrutiny because they have already been used in trillions of dollars' worth of lightning-fast transactions and could transform the way Americans pay for things. Treasury and other regulators want to ensure that they're reliable, even during financial panics.

Article explains that even though 'greener" decisions are being made, the increase in wealth and subsequent demand negates most green efforts just due to volume. For example, we make more fuel efficient cars than we did 20 or 30 years ago, but we are producing 2x as many

A bit of a summary of possible climate change effects. The only certainty seems to be that there will be change, but the severity is still unclear. Work being done today to reduce emissions should help, but to what extent is not necessarily clear. It notes concern for the potential collapse of teh Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which could change things quickly. Still, the uncertainty is what's most concerning, and people need to be ready for different possible outcomes

THis is an extensive look at seaports and anticipated changes in coming years leading up to 2050. One big factor it mentions is that existing ports will need more space due to increased volumes and climate change factors. More space has to be considered in planning. With more space for the ports to operate, more is likely displaced and that will have an effect on surrounding communities.

Go to 11:30 - it's in my scenario!