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Metroid Prime 4: A New Dawn Review – Samus Aran Returns to Action. Was the 18-Year Wait Worth It?

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IIn a frigid lab teeming with experimental life forms encased in cryogenic slumber, metal boots crush the frost beneath them. A solitary bounty hunter clad in a recognizable orange exosuit aims his blaster ahead. As you navigate towards the facility’s generator, you examine doors, search for hidden entrances, broken hatches, and concealed keys, pondering whether you truly grasp the chaos awaiting once this place begins to collapse. Every rattle and creak resembles a long-slumbering beast awakening from its pod. Yet, Samus Aran has never possessed fear, so she delves further.

This segment of Prime 4 encapsulates classic Metroid vibes. It’s atmospheric, eerie, desolate, perilous, and enigmatic. Samus, Nintendo’s iconic hero, shines brighter than ever, showcasing a new superpower that imbues her suit with a pulsating purple glow. (I’ve captured a multitude of screenshots of her looking undeniably cool across the game’s various planets.) While she can be maneuvered with dual analog sticks, it feels even more intuitive when using one of the Switch 2’s remotes aimed at the screen. Alternatively, you can operate it like a mouse on a desk or in your lap, but I found my wrist aching after prolonged use. She can morph into a rolling ball, telekinetically shift statues into position, and ride a high-tech, transforming motorcycle across lava and sand, traversing abandoned sites on a distant planet to reveal the lost wisdom of a bygone civilization.

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Indeed, classic Metroid Prime elements abound. It’s a sentiment I’ve missed since these atmospheric journeys took a break in 2007. The focus is on gradually introducing new abilities and gadgets. The Giger-inspired aesthetics shine through. Methodically scanning everything with Samus’ visor for hints is expected. The leisurely exploration is routinely shattered by sudden, chaotic encounters as robots and aliens descend. Dazzling sights, including gigantic boss creatures, vast deserts beneath a relentless alien sun, and spectral wolves emerging from a snowy tempest, unfold dramatically.

Surprisingly, amidst the familiar spirits of the Metroid series, I noticed echoes of Nintendo’s other dormant sci-fi franchises. If you’re yearning for long-lost sequels to F-Zero or Star Fox, they may not be present, but hints are scattered throughout. Within the levitating controls of Samus’ bike and her cyberspace training arena, flying entities sometimes materialize before you, enabling you to target them and unleash explosive laser discs.

Nonetheless, there are aspects that do not have the Metroid essence, often detrimentally. It seems that someone at Retro Studios or Nintendo was concerned players might feel lost, so Samus has a companion suggesting directions. The rescued engineer Miles McKenzie faced significant criticism during previews for Metroid Prime 4. Understandably, he’s visibly irritated, delivering a series of Joss Whedon-style dialogues as he gazes at Samus, who can only assume is silently judging him. Fortunately, he only lingers for the initial 15 minutes before being trapped in the base camp at the conclusion of the game’s first zone, granting Samus (and the player) the freedom to explore uninterrupted.




The patient’s exploration is disrupted by a sudden, chaotic surge. Photo: Nintendo

Apart from a few unwelcome nudges during my extensive desert explorations, Miles didn’t reappear unless I called for assistance. (In the vast abandoned facility dominating the game, his radio signal is distorted, so he can’t offer guidance even if he wished to.) However, Samus encounters more stranded soldiers as the game progresses. all of them proved bothersome, frequently interrupting your explorations with soundbites and unwarranted advice. Meanwhile, the desert linking various areas sadly feels barren. Particularly in the latter segments of the game, a tedious back-and-forth walk across this expansive terrain becomes distinctly un-Metroid (and less enjoyable) when compared to the constricted corridors and tense space station confrontations found in other sections.

Metroid Prime 4 frequently evokes the feel of a game from 15 years past. I emphasize that, overall, this is a positive aspect. Surprisingly, it avoids many pitfalls of contemporary game design. Ironically, the lengthy wait for Prime 4 rendered what might once have seemed tiresome or outdated into something delightfully retro. The methodical gameplay rhythm and the anticipated structure of defeating five distinct boss creatures in five obvious arenas to secure five different keys comes off as nostalgic. However, certain elements are less forgiving, like inconsistent autosaves. It’s frustrating to experience an accidental death and then face a restart of 30 minutes worth of exploration in a molten weaponry facility. do not have fun.

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Had Metroid Prime 4 been released in 2010, I might have found it disappointing. However, following an extended hiatus, I’m thrilled to engage with this retro gameplay approach – slow, painstaking, and occasionally frustrating. This serves as a reunion, rather than a revival of the Metroid Prime series. While some of the new features may not resonate, the classics shine just as brightly as ever.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Experts Urge Immediate Action to Combat Climate Change

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Wildfires in California this January exacerbated by climate change

Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

Famine, economic downfall, civil unrest, and conflict are serious threats we encounter unless we take urgent steps to curb further global warming and safeguard nature, leading climate, food, health, and security specialists cautioned in London today.

A national emergency briefing organized by climate activists and researchers aims to persuade politicians of the necessity for immediate and significant action regarding the intertwined crises of climate and biodiversity.

“I’m fearful for my life and future, and even more for my son’s,” stated Hugh Montgomery, a doctor at University College London focused on climate change’s impact on health.

“We require leadership on par with that of World War II, as if the survival of society depended on it—because it truly does,” remarked Mike Berners-Lee, who led the event at Lancaster University in the UK.

He indicated new evidence suggests the planet is heating up more rapidly than before, as noted by Kevin Anderson from the University of Manchester. “There exists a small but very real possibility that temperatures could reach 4°C by the end of this century.”

“The potential for 3°C or 4°C of warming is incredibly severe. We simply cannot afford to take that risk. It presents an extreme and unstable climate far beyond the conditions that have supported our civilization,” Anderson warned. “We will witness an unparalleled social and ecological breakdown at such levels. Geopolitical tensions will heighten, and there will likely be no viable economy left. A systemic collapse awaits us.”

Anderson cautioned against what he termed “delay technologies,” which aim to maintain the prosperity of the oil and gas sector. These encompass hydrogen and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, according to him.

Hayley Fowler, a researcher at the University of Newcastle in the UK, stated that the impacts of warming are exceeding expectations. “Heat waves in Europe are escalating quicker than anywhere else globally and significantly faster than climate models predict,” she remarked.

The UK could face storms capable of releasing up to 35 centimeters of rain, leading to severe flooding as experienced in Germany in 2021. “However, like the people of Germany, we often fail to comprehend this until it occurs,” Fowler noted.

She emphasized that nations are unprepared for such extreme weather conditions. “We continue to construct infrastructure that cannot endure today’s climate, let alone what lies ahead.”

Tim Renton, a researcher from the University of Exeter in the UK, alerted about the danger of triggering critical tipping points, such as the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

If the AMOC collapses, Arctic sea ice may extend southward as far as the North Sea during winter, Renton explained. London, for three months each year, could see temperatures plunge below freezing, with lows reaching -20°C (-4°F), but summers could be hotter than currently experienced.

Renton warned that Britain could face water shortages and an inability to produce food. “Globally, more than half of the area will become incapable of cultivating wheat and corn, leading to a major food security crisis,” he said.

He cited that food production has already been adversely impacted, as noted by Paul Behrens from Oxford University. “In the past decade, the UK has recorded three of its five worst grain harvests,” he pointed out.

Behrens cautioned that the situation is poised to worsen, leading to civil unrest. “We are at a crossroads: we can either allow our food system to collapse and continue our current trajectory, preparing for political and social turmoil, or we can take action now.”

Richard Nagy, a former British Army lieutenant general and national climate and security adviser, expressed concern over national security risks. “What troubles me most is not one crisis but a series of crises. Multiple crises converging—food, health, infrastructure, immigration, energy, extreme weather—where slow or ineffective responses erode public trust in government, resulting in a reactionary political climate that promises to tackle all these crises simultaneously.”

“We must realistically anticipate a future that others may fail to envision or wish to ignore, a future with monumental consequences if realized. Just because we may not like risk doesn’t mean it will disappear or that we can turn a blind eye to it,” Nuzi commented.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

AI’s Energy Drain from Poor Content: Can We Redefine AI for Climate Action?

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aArtificial intelligence is frequently linked to massive electricity consumption, resulting in global warming emissions that often support unproductive or misleading gains which contribute little to human advancement.

However, some AI proponents at a significant UN climate summit are presenting an alternative perspective. Could AI actually assist in addressing the climate crisis rather than exacerbating it?

The discussion of “AI for good” resonated at the Cop30 conference in Belem, Brazil, where advocates claim AI has the potential to lower emissions through various efficiencies that could impact multiple aspects of daily life, including food, transportation, and energy—major contributors to environmental pollution.


Recently, a coalition of organizations, UN agencies, and the Brazilian government announced the establishment of the AI Climate Institute, a new global initiative aimed at leveraging AI as a tool for empowerment to assist developing nations in addressing environmental issues.

Proponents assert that, over time, this initiative will educate countries on utilizing AI in various ways to curb emissions, including enhancing public transportation, streamlining agricultural systems, and adjusting energy grids to facilitate the timely integration of renewable energy.

Forecasting weather patterns, including the mapping of impending climate crises like floods and wildfires, could also be refined through this approach, remarked Maria João Souza, executive director of Climate Change AI, one of the organizations involved in the initiative.

“Numerical weather prediction models demand significant computational power, which limits their implementation in many regions,” she noted. “I believe AI will act as a beneficial force that accelerates many of these advancements.”

Lorenzo Sarr, chief sustainability officer at Clarity AI and also present at Cop30, emphasized that AI could aid in tracking emissions and biodiversity, providing insights into current conditions.

“One can truly begin to identify the problem areas,” he said. “Then predictions can be made. These forecasts can address both short-term and long-term scenarios. We can predict next week’s flooding, and also analyze phenomena like rising sea levels.”

Sarr acknowledged valid concerns regarding AI’s societal and governance impacts, but he expressed optimism that the overall environmental outcomes could be beneficial. A report released in June by the London School of Economics delivered unexpectedly positive projections, suggesting that AI could slash global greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 billion to 5.4 billion tons over the next decade, even factoring in significant energy usage.

“People already make poor energy choices, such as overusing their air conditioners,” Sarr commented. “How much of what we do on our phones is detrimental? It’s a recurring thought for me. How many hours do we spend scrolling through Instagram?”

“I believe society will gravitate toward this direction. We must consider how to prevent harming the planet through heating while ensuring a net positive impact.”

Yet, some experts and environmental advocates remain skeptical. The immense computational demands of AI, particularly in the case of generative models, are driving a surge in data centers in countries like the U.S., which consume vast quantities of electricity and water—even in drought-prone areas—leading to surging electricity costs in certain regions.

The climate ramifications of this AI surge, propelled by companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, are considerable and likely to increase, as indicated by a recent study from Cornell University. This impact is comparable to adding 10 million gasoline cars to the roads or matching the annual emissions of all of Norway.

“There exists a techno-utopian belief that AI will rescue us from the climate crisis,” stated Jean Hsu, a climate activist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “However, we know what truly will save us from the climate crisis: the gradual elimination of fossil fuels, not AI.”

While AI may indeed enhance efficiency and lower emissions, these same technologies can be leveraged to optimize fossil fuel extraction as well. A recent report by Wood Mackenzie estimated that AI could potentially unlock an additional trillion barrels of oil. Such a scenario, if accepted by energy markets, would obliterate any chances of preventing severe climate change.

Natasha Hospedares, lead attorney for AI at Client Earth, remarked that while the “AI for good” argument holds some validity, it represents “a very small niche” within a far larger industry focused primarily on maximizing profits.

“There is some evidence that AI could assist developing nations, but much of this is either in the early stages or remains hypothetical, and actual implementation is still lacking,” she stated. “Overall, we are significantly distant from achieving a state where AI consistently mitigates its detrimental environmental impacts.”

“The environmental consequences of AI are already alarming, and I don’t foresee a slowdown in data center expansion anytime soon. A minor fraction of AI is being applied for beneficial purposes, while the vast majority is being exploited by companies like Google and Meta, primarily for profit at the expense of the environment and human rights.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Over 20 States Take Legal Action Against EPA for Solar Subsidy Revocation

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Over 20 states have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contesting the agency’s decision to terminate a $7 billion initiative designed to enhance access to solar power for low-income households.

The initiative, known as “Solar For All,” was launched in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated subsidies for building rooftop and community solar projects. This action was part of the Biden administration’s commitment to decreasing carbon emissions and aimed to make solar energy available to around 1 million additional American households.

However, in August, the EPA announced the program’s cancellation, with states withdrawing approximately 90% of the grant funds from the awarded accounts, according to the legal complaint.

The EPA has been working to reinstate clean energy funding sanctioned by the Biden administration. This new lawsuit will assess whether the agency overstepped its bounds in this instance. The states involved in the legal challenge had expected the funding to boost solar power availability, lower greenhouse gas emissions from energy production, and decrease energy costs.

“Congress established a solar energy program to make electricity more affordable, but the administration is ignoring the law, focusing instead on conspiracy theories about climate change,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown stated in a news release. The EPA’s action “places about $156 million in jeopardy” for Washington state, as mentioned in the release.

Earlier this month, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and solar installers lodged a complaint, which resembles a similar lawsuit against the program’s cancellation.

When asked about the recent lawsuit, the White House referred NBC News to the EPA, which typically remains silent on ongoing litigation.

The states involved in the lawsuits are all governed by Democratic officials. Notably, Washington, Arizona, and Minnesota are leading this legal action, which was filed in the Western District of Washington.

The lawsuit contends that the EPA “illegally and unilaterally terminated” the program, breaching the Administrative Procedure Act that regulates federal agencies’ operations. It also claims that the EPA overstepped its “constitutional authority” by attempting to revoke programs and funds approved by Congress.

This latest suit is part of a dual strategy employed by states to counteract the Trump administration’s cuts to clean energy initiatives established under President Joe Biden.

On Wednesday, another group, including states and state energy agencies, filed a separate complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims regarding the cancellation of individual subsidy agreements.

The lawsuit argues that the EPA’s retraction of funds violated distinct subsidy contracts with states and state energy authorities.

It further claims the EPA relied on a “false and malicious interpretation” of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which was enacted during the Trump administration, to support its actions.

While acknowledging that the law granted the administration certain powers to retract Inflation Control Act funds, the complaint asserts that this authority only extended to funds not yet distributed to grant recipients.

A third lawsuit was filed this month in Rhode Island District Court. Solar companies, homeowners, nonprofits, and labor unions are making similar claims. It contends that the EPA’s actions could deny nearly 1 million people access to affordable solar energy and jeopardize “hundreds of thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Major Direct Action on Actor Image Use in AI Content Poses Fairness Concerns

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The performing arts union Equity has issued a warning of significant direct action against tech and entertainment firms regarding the unauthorized use of its members’ likenesses, images, and voices in AI-generated content.

This alert arises as more members express concerns over copyright violations and the inappropriate use of personal data within AI materials.

General Secretary Paul W. Fleming stated that the union intends to organize mass data requests, compelling companies to reveal whether they have utilized members’ data for AI-generated content without obtaining proper consent.

Recently, the union declared its support for a Scottish actor who alleges that his likeness contributed to the creation of Tilly Norwood, an “AI actor” criticized by the film industry.

Bryony Monroe, 28, from East Renfrewshire, believes her image was used to create a digital character by the AI “talent studio” Xicoia, though Xicoia has denied her claims.

Most complaints received by Equity relate to AI-generated voice replicas.

Mr. Fleming mentioned that the union is already assisting members in making subject access requests against producers and tech firms that fail to provide satisfactory explanations about the sources of data used for AI content creation.

He noted, “Companies are beginning to engage in very aggressive discussions about compensation and usage. The industry must exercise caution, as this is far from over.”

“AI companies must recognize that we will be submitting access requests en masse. They have a legal obligation to respond. If a member reasonably suspects their data is being utilized without permission, we aim to uncover that.”

Fleming expressed hope that this strategy will pressure tech companies and producers resisting transparency to reach an agreement on performers’ rights.

“Our goal is to leverage individual rights to hinder technology companies and producers from binding collective rights,” Fleming explained.

He emphasized that with 50,000 members, a significant number of requests for access would complicate matters for companies unwilling to negotiate.

Under data protection laws, individuals have the right to request all information held about them by an organization, which typically responds within a month.

“This isn’t a perfect solution,” Fleming added. “It’s no simple task since they might source data elsewhere. Many actors are behaving recklessly and unethically.”

Ms. Monroe believes that Norwood not only mimics her image but also her mannerisms.

Monroe remarked, “I have a distinct way of moving my head while acting. I recognized that in the closing seconds of Tilly’s showreel, where she mirrored exactly that. Others observed, ‘That’s your mannerism. That’s your acting style.'”

Liam Budd, director of recorded media industries at Equity UK, confirmed that the union takes Mr. Monroe’s concerns seriously. Particle 6, the AI production company behind Xicoia, claimed it is collaborating with unions to address any concerns raised.

A spokesperson from Particle 6 stated, ‘Bryony Monroe’s likeness, image, voice, and personal data were not utilized in any way to create Tilly Norwood.’

“Tilly was developed entirely from original creative designs. We do not, and will not, use performers’ likenesses without their explicit consent and proper compensation.”

Budd refrained from commenting on Monroe’s allegations but said, “Our members increasingly report specific infringements concerning their image or voice being used without consent to produce content that resembles them.”

“This practice is particularly prevalent in audio, as creating a digital audio replica requires less effort.”

However, Budd acknowledged that Norwood presents a new challenge for the industry, as “we have yet to encounter a fully synthetic actor before.”

Equity UK has been negotiating with UK production industry body Pact (Film and TV Producers Alliance) regarding AI, copyright, and data protection for over a year.

Fleming mentioned, “Executives are not questioning where their data originates. They privately concede that employing AI ethically is nearly impossible, as they are collecting and training on data with dubious provenance.”

“Yet, we frequently discover that it is being utilized entirely outside established copyright and data protection frameworks.”

Max Rumney, deputy chief executive of Pact, highlighted that its members must adopt AI technology in production or risk falling behind companies without collective agreements that ensure fair compensation for actors, writers, and other creators.

However, he noted a lack of transparency from tech firms regarding the content and data used for training the foundational models of AI tools like image generators.

“The fundamental models were trained on our members’ films and programming without their consent,” Rumney stated.

“Our members favor genuine human creativity in their films and shows, valuing this aspect as the hallmark of British productions, making them unique and innovative.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Ofcom’s Call to Action: Ensuring Porn Sites Comply with Online Safety Regulations

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TThe Ofcom regulators, equipped with clipboards, navigated the exhibition space during the International Adult Industry Conference in Prague over the weekend, aiming to motivate 1,700 attendees to adhere to the UK’s newly implemented online safety regulations.

“Be truthful,” a regulator addressed a crowd of porn site operators and staff during a midday seminar discussing the age verification requirements that were set in motion in July as part of the legislative framework for accessing adult content. “Be transparent. If your efforts fall short, include them in the risk assessment.”

Attendees enjoying complimentary champagne offered by conference sponsors posed some uneasy inquiries. What steps should a company take if it lacks the funds for age verification? How hefty are the penalties? Can a site circumvent regulations by blocking traffic from the UK? Were Ofcom officials aware that some site owners might be trying to undermine their competitors by reporting them for non-compliance?




Presentation by Ofcom at the Wyndham Diplomat Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. Photographer: Bjoern Steinz/Björn Steinz/Panos Pictures

“We are here to assist you,” another Ofcom regulator explained to an audience of around 50 men and seven women. “It’s a challenge. There’s a wealth of information to absorb, but we exist to assist members of the adult industry in achieving compliance.”

Seven weeks following the activation of the online safety law, Ofcom officials seek to portray the adult industry’s response to this legislation in a positive light. They noted that most of the leading 10 and top 100 adult websites have either implemented age verification checks or restricted access within the UK. Platforms like X and Reddit, which feature pornographic content, also provide age verification guarantees. In August, views surged to 7.5 million on the top five age verification websites, up from 1 million in June.

Regulators intend to frame the introduction of age verification on July 27 as a pivotal moment for the industry, dubbing it “AV Day,” when children’s access to British porn would be unequivocally obstructed. The situation, however, is more nuanced.




Ofcom screen at the Prague conference. Photographer: Bjoern Steinz/Björn Steinz/Panos Pictures

In the days following the law’s enactment, there was a notable spike in VPN downloads, enabling users to disguise their locations and bypass age verification prompts.

“This development was quite unfortunate,” commented Mike Stabile, director of public policy for the Free Speech Coalition, representing American adult entertainment. He mentioned moving to a location that did not comply and opted for a non-compliant site. “VPN usage has surged. People are not compliant. Traffic is redirecting to piracy sites. I don’t think Ofcom will regard this outcome as what they intended.”

Corey Silverstein, an American attorney representing several companies in the adult industry and who has encountered numerous failed attempts at enforcing age verification laws in the U.S., noted a significant skepticism towards regulators. “While people maintain professionalism and politeness, this is not the most agreeable audience. Some display overt disdain. You can sense the discomfort in participating in an event like this.”

Despite this, he delivered a presentation for site owners, advising them to confront their aversion to regulators and collaborate with Ofcom to implement new guidelines.

“Their intent is not to harm your business. They are quite friendly. They aren’t out to eliminate you,” he stated. “As I understand it, they do not even impose financial fines. Their goal is to guide you towards compliance.”

Ofcom officials were dressed in neatly pressed white shirts, working amid the ambient sounds of steel drums, distributing A4 printed questionnaires while sponsors served cocktails and a troupe of feather-clad dancers entertained attendees.

The paper form, which allowed for anonymous responses, requested representatives to indicate whether they had adopted age verification in the UK and to discuss reasons for inaction regarding non-compliant businesses. By Saturday evening, Ofcom officials noted that an insufficient number of representatives had completed the form but remained hopeful for better participation on Sunday.

Though no fines have yet been issued under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has initiated 12 investigations into over 60 porn services, including websites and applications.

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Updates from these investigations have fueled discontent among adult site proprietors, who are also advocating for stricter regulations in the U.S. and France. Yet, there was some begrudging acknowledgment of Ofcom’s effort to engage with the industry in events and dialogues.

“In the U.S., regulatory bodies often shy away from engaging with us,” remarked Alex Kekeshi, vice president of PornHub’s brand and community. “I appreciate Ofcom’s invitation to the table. Such engagement is often overlooked in discussions on industry regulations.”

Before July 27, Ofcom established a specialized porn portfolio team consisting of six compliance officers to encourage businesses to meet regulatory standards. These team members requested anonymity due to conservative reasons but participated in similar discussions in Berlin, Amsterdam, and LA. Additionally, a larger team of over 40 staff members is focused on investigating organizations that fail to comply.

“We are acutely aware of the industry’s scale and the ease of establishing services for distributing pornographic content indiscriminately,” one regulator remarked. “We are not claiming to lead every service towards compliance; our strategy is to allocate resources where children face the highest risk of harm.” When penalties are applied, they are designed with a deterrent effect, potentially reaching up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue.

“Companies can opt not to risk being pursued by us or facing penalties. We aim to shift the incentive balance so that compliance is deemed less risky.”

Another Ofcom representative avoided commenting on the increase in VPN downloads, asserting that the law’s purpose is to prevent children from inadvertently encountering pornographic content (rather than going after those who deliberately seek it).

In their bid to comply with the new age verification requirements, site owners are also addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content, urging users to engage of Ofcom’s attention and seeking to prevent companies like Visa and MasterCard from processing payments linked to violent and illegal content. Sites and applications featuring AI-generated pornography also fall under the scope of this legislation.

“How can we distinguish between a 15-year-old AI model and one that represents an 18- or 19-year-old within compliance frameworks?” one attendee questioned, expressing concerns about the potential for AI to inadvertently generate child sexual abuse material.

Steve Jones, who operates an AI porn site, stressed that AI systems need to be programmed to acknowledge what is deemed inappropriate. “We must ensure that depictions are not too youthful or flat. We will disallow pigtails, braces, and toys typically associated with children,” he stated. “AI lacks the ability to differentiate between youthful-looking adults and minors. It’s crucial to teach these distinctions.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

CO2 Chronicles: A Compelling New Book Urging Action on Carbon Dioxide Narratives

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Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images

A Shared Narrative2: It’s Everything
Peter Brunnen (Allen Lane)

Carbon dioxide influences our perceptions. Emissions from power stations, vehicle exhausts, and the burning of natural habitats contribute to our planet’s increasing warmth. These realities are compelling lawmakers and decision-makers to confront climate change earnestly.

CO2, comprised of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, is essential for life on Earth. However, the escalating levels of CO2 are now exacerbating global warming and threatening life itself. This contradiction is a central theme explored by Peter Brannen in A Shared Narrative2: Planetary Experiments, a meticulously researched and persuasive read.

Brunnen, a science journalist known for his previous work on the extinction events of Earth’s history, now tackles a monumental task: elucidating the carbon cycle (CO2) and its implications, a topic often overlooked in educational settings, while revealing the fascinating stories that span our planet’s history.

It’s easy to overlook the periodic table. It’s also simple to disengage readers with mundane discussions about air movement. Yet, Brunnen artfully revitalizes this narrative, emphasizing CO2‘s significance for all living beings. He vividly depicts events from millions of years ago, like the “Snowball Earth,” and the 56 million-year phase when the planet was “held captive by ice,” compelling readers to visualize these extraordinary, yet unimaginable, realities.

We learn in school that wood consists of carbon. However, Brunnen expands on this, discussing elements such as “mushroom psychedelics, pepper spices, and coffee caffeine.” While many authors might stop there, Brunnen elaborates: Carbon exists in “your eyeball, bougainvillea petals… blue whale baleen, fat, and brain… your tub scum, lion’s mane.”

These rhetorical flourishes may risk overwhelming the reader, yet Brunnen delivers a cogent and artful case. The highest praise I can offer this book is that it frequently inspires a childlike awe—a feeling we often take for granted, much like the subjects that permeate our daily lives.

However, this isn’t merely a children’s book. In addition to the planet and its inhabitants, Brunnen draws on historical insights to urge immediate action, advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels.

His analysis draws careful parallels between our current CO2 emissions and those that precipitated the last mass extinction, a theme he reiterates throughout his work, articulating a growing urgency as he approaches his conclusions. “We can’t escape this dilemma,” he asserts. He critiques the notion of carbon capture and storage as merely a stopgap, arguing that it serves only to mitigate our current lifestyle without addressing the root cause. “In summary, we’re in deep trouble,” he writes.

Assuming no actions are taken and trends continue, he warns that companies may only awaken to their environmental impact after it’s too late, likening such reactions to misguided efforts.

This prevailing attitude, he observes, is common in “some climate circles,” and demands correction. “Sticking to the current path will undoubtedly lead to severe climate disaster, and regardless of how successful changes may be, we must explore all options to avoid catastrophe,” he states.

Decision-makers aiming to steer society away from fossil fuels would benefit immensely from engaging with this book.

Chris Stokell Walker is a technology writer based in Newcastle, UK

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Mafia: Old Country Reviews – Action Games Set in Sicilian Era Themes | Gaming Highlights

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oIn time, this industry reached a standstill in a game of this nature. The single-player story-centric action experience intertwines weekend choreographic sequences with expansive worlds brimming with an enticing array of collectibles.

Indeed, the old country lacks fresh concepts for the cover shooter genre. Hangar 13 already released a remake of the original Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven in 2020, yet in this installment, it often feels as though the studio has recycled it in a new setting. Both the narrative and the framework of individual missions seem to honor Fedora, reminiscent of its 2002 classic.




You can see where this is going… Mafia: Old Country. Photo: 2K Game

A classic scenario: Mission trope “Win the race to impress your don.” This chapter was notorious in the original Mafia, as racing vehicles from the 1930s were notoriously tricky to manage and racing itself was rather uninviting. However, it presented a sophisticated multi-tiered mission filled with obstacles, thefts, and unexpected betrayals. In Mafia: Old Country, you’re merely cruising through a town prepping for the race, with the don needing a replacement rider, which offers a serene ride along a route filled with real challenges. While such experiences might have faced criticism a decade back, the scarcity of games like this today leads us to overlook basic mission design and rather appreciate its storytelling and the setting it represents.

It is the year 1904, and you embody Enzo Faraba, a young man down on his luck without family, working alongside peers in a sulphur mine, dressed in a yellow-dyed rag and sporting a shaved head. While the working conditions in the mine are dismal and perilous, Enzo contends with cruel employers, earning the ire of the local ‘businessman,’ Don Laggero Spadaro, who owns the mine. Fear not—after a narrow escape, he finds refuge with Don Trici, a rival of Spadaro who values the courage and diligence of the young man. You can see where this is leading.




A vibrant setting… Mafia: An Old Country. Photo: 2K Game

Next, you experience the typical quest for dominance within the criminal underworld, expressed through knife fights and vintage-style shooting with reloadable firearms. Local businesses are noncompliant. Workers are striking. Thieves and rival families threaten your reputation. You navigate environments where waist-high cover positions are conveniently placed, allowing for tactically advantageous standoffs.

Credit where it’s due: Enzo and his comrades’ missions aren’t solely about violence. Occasionally, you’ll employ stealth, tossing coins and bottles to divert guards away from your path. There is ample horseback riding and car driving, accompanied by rich dialogues that enhance the context surrounding your actions. While these non-combat mechanics may not be particularly thrilling, this is a mafia-themed game—not designed to be a grand, systemic experience, but rather to narrate the tale of a gangster.

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Despite the odds, it manages to succeed in its endeavors. However, it accomplishes this through storytelling rather than intricate plots. The rhythm is predictable. Memorable moments neither stem from witty dialogue nor dramatic turns of fate, nor are they rooted in evocative historical specifics. There are scenes of peasants raiding the pantry and heaps of citrus fruits piled in the fields. Workers stamping grapes in the Torrisi Vineyard. Authentic recipes for Spezzatino di Maiale resting on the kitchen counter. The Sicilian dialect makes fleeting appearances in every conversation (it’s highly advisable to use English subtitles to enhance understanding amidst Sicilian audio). This game demonstrates thorough research, successfully portraying cultural and historic contexts rarely explored in previous titles. It earns its title as a mafia game—it embodies this well: a tribute to the old country.

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Knife fights and gunplay do operate effectively, yet I find the missions a bit too simplistic compared to a franchise once celebrated for its dynamic pacing. Nonetheless, despite these caveats, it’s worth engaging with for the allure of its setting and the undeniable passion it holds for its bleak subject matter.

Mafia: Old Country is available now, priced at £49.99

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk Takes Legal Action Against Apple Over Open Ally, Sparking Feud with Sam Altman

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Elon Musk has threatened to take legal action against Apple on behalf of the AI startup Xai, alleging that the iPhone manufacturer is favoring OpenAI and breaching antitrust laws regarding App Store rankings. This statement drew a sharp response from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and ignited a feud between the two former business associates at X.

“Apple is operating in a manner that prevents non-OpenAI AI companies from achieving the top position on the App Store. This clearly violates antitrust regulations. Xai is prepared to take swift legal measures,” Musk declared in a post on X.

In another post that day, he stated:

Currently, OpenAI’s ChatGPT occupies the top spot in the “Top Free Apps” category of the US App Store, while Xai’s Grok sits in fifth place. Apple has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Neither Apple nor Xai provided any comments.

Altman replied to Musk on X, saying, “This is an unexpected claim considering we’ve heard Elon is attempting to manipulate X for his own benefit and to undermine his competitors, including those he dislikes.” Reports indicate that Musk has tweaked X’s algorithm to favor his own posts.

Altman and Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015, but Musk departed the startup in 2018 and withdrew his funding after proposing they take control. Musk has since filed two times for a planned shift to commercial entities, alleging “Shakespeare’s proportional deception ceit.” Altman has characterized Musk as a bitter and envious ex-partner, resentful of the company’s achievements post-departure.

Musk responded to Altman’s tweet, stating, “You got 3 million views for dishonest posts. You’re a liar; despite having 50 times your followers, my engagement has far exceeded yours!”

Altman retorted to Musk several times, initially calling the lack of views a “skill issue” or “bot-related” before posing legal questions.

Users on X highlighted through the Community Notes feature that several apps, aside from OpenAI, have claimed top positions on the App Store this year.

For instance, the Chinese AI app Deepseek reached the No. 1 position in January, while Perplexity ranked first in the App Store in India in July.

One user inquired about Grok, X’s native AI. The chatbot replied: “Based on confirmed evidence, Sam Altman is correct.”

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Musk’s remarks come as regulators and competitors heighten their scrutiny of Apple’s App Store dominance.

Earlier this year, an EU antitrust regulator ordered Apple to pay a fine of 500 million euros ($581.15 million).

In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, accusing the iPhone manufacturer of establishing and maintaining “broad, persistent, and illegal” monopolies in the smartphone market.

Source: www.theguardian.com

China’s Cyber Abuse Scandal: Is the Government Taking Action Against Online Exploitation of Women?

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wHeng Min* discovered a concealed camera in her bedroom, initially hoping for a benign explanation, suspecting her boyfriend might have set it up to capture memories of their “happy life” together. However, that hope quickly morphed into fear as she realized her boyfriend had been secretly taking sexually exploitative photos of her and her female friends, as well as other women in various locations. They even used AI technology to create pornographic images of them.

When Ming confronted him, he begged for forgiveness but became angered when she refused to reconcile. I said to a Chinese news outlet, Jimu News.

Ming is not alone; many women in China have fallen victim to voyeuristic filming in both private and public spaces, including restrooms. Such images are often shared or sold online without consent. Sexually explicit photos, frequently captured via pinhole cameras hidden in everyday objects, are disseminated in large online groups.

This scandal has stirred unrest in China, raising concerns about the government’s capability and willingness to address such misconduct.


A notable group on Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, is the “Maskpark Tree Hole Forum,” which reportedly boasted over 100,000 members, mostly male.

“The Mask Park incident highlights the extreme vulnerability of Chinese women in the digital realm,” stated Li Maizi, a prominent Chinese feminist based in New York, to the Guardian.

“What’s more disturbing is the frequency of perpetrators who are known to their victims: committing sexual violence against partners, boyfriends, and even minors.”

The scandal ignited outrage on Chinese social media, stirring discussions about the difficulties of combating online harassment in the nation. While Chinese regulators are equipped to impose stricter measures against online sexual harassment and abuse, their current focus appears to prioritize suppressing politically sensitive information, according to Eric Liu, a former content moderator for Chinese social media platforms and present editor of the Digital Times based in the US.

Since the scandal emerged, Li has observed “widespread” censorship concerning the Mask Park incident on Chinese internet. Posts with potential social impact, especially those related to feminism, are frequently subject to censorship.

“If the Chinese government had the will, they could undoubtedly shut down the group,” Li noted. “The scale of [MaskPark] is significant. Cases of this magnitude have not gone unchecked in recent years.”

Nevertheless, Li expressed that he is not surprised. “Such content has always existed on the Chinese internet.”

In China, individuals found guilty of disseminating pornographic material can face up to two years in prison, while those who capture images without consent may be detained for up to ten days and fined. The country also has laws designed to protect against sexual harassment, domestic violence, and cyberbullying.

However, advocates argue that the existing legal framework falls short. Victims often find themselves needing to gather evidence to substantiate their claims, as explained by Xirui*, a Beijing-based lawyer specializing in gender-based violence cases.

“Certain elements must be met for an action to be classified as a crime, such as a specific number of clicks and subjective intent,” Xirui elaborated.

“Additionally, there’s a limitation on public safety lawsuits where the statute of limitations is only six months, after which the police typically will not pursue the case.”

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The Guardian contacted China’s Foreign Ministry for a statement.


Beyond legal constraints, victims of sexual offenses often grapple with shame, which hinders many from coming forward.

“There have been similar cases where landlords set up cameras to spy on female tenants. Typically, these situations are treated as privacy violations, which may lead to controlled detention, while victims seek civil compensation,” explained Xirui.

To address these issues, the government could strengthen specialized laws, enhance gender-based training for law enforcement personnel, and encourage courts to provide guidance with examples of pertinent cases, as recommended by legal experts.

For Li, the recent occurrences reflect a pervasive tolerance for and lack of effective law enforcement regarding these issues in China. Instead of prioritizing the fight against sexist and abusive content online, authorities seem more focused on detaining female writers involved in homoerotic fiction and censoring victims of digital abuse.

“The rise of deepfake technology and the swift online distribution of poorly filmed content have rendered women’s bodies digitally accessible on an unparalleled scale,” stated Li. “However, if authorities truly wish to address these crimes, it is entirely feasible to track and prosecute them, provided they invest the necessary resources and hold the Chinese government accountable.”

*Name changed

Additional research by Lillian Yang and Jason Tang Lu

Source: www.theguardian.com

Is the True Beneficiary of Trump’s “AI Action Plan” High-Tech Companies?

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This week’s Donald Trump AI Summit in Washington was a grand event that received a warm response from The Tech Elite. The president took to the stage on Wednesday evening, with a blessing echoing over the loudspeakers before he made his declaration.

The message was unmistakable: the technology regulatory landscape that once dominated Congressional discussions has undergone a significant transformation.

“I’ve been observing for many years,” Trump remarked. “I’ve experienced the weight of regulations firsthand.”

Addressing the crowd, he referred to them as “a group of brilliant minds… intellectual power.” He was preceded by notable figures in technology, venture capitalists, and billionaires, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Palantir CTO Shyam Sankar. The Hill and Valley Forum, a powerful industry group, co-hosted the event alongside the Silicon Valley All-in-Podcast led by White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks.

Dubbed “AI Race Winnings,” the forum provided the president with a platform to present his “AI Action Plan,” aimed at relaxing restrictions on artificial intelligence development and deployment.

At the heart of this plan are three executive orders, which Trump claims will establish the U.S. as an “AI export power” and unwind some regulations introduced by the Biden administration, particularly those governing safe and responsible AI development.

“Winning the AI race necessitates a renewed spirit of patriotism and commitment in Silicon Valley.”

One executive order focuses on what the White House terms “wake up” AI, urging companies receiving federal funds to steer away from “ideological DEI doctrines.” The other two primarily address deregulation—a pressing demand from American tech leaders who have increasingly supported government oversight.

One order will enhance the export of “American AI” to foreign markets, while the other will ease environmental regulations permitting data centers with high power demands.

Lobbying for Millions

In the lead-up to this moment, tech companies have forged friendly ties with Trump. CEOs from Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Apple contributed to the President’s Inaugural Fund and met him at Mar-A-Lago in Florida. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which developed ChatGPT, has become a close ally of Trump, with Huang from Nvidia pledging a joint investment of $500 million in U.S. AI infrastructure over the next four years.

“The reality is that major tech firms are pouring tens of millions into building relationships with lawmakers and influencing tech legislation,” remarked Alix Fraser, Vice President of Advocacy for the nonprofit.

In a report released on Tuesday, it was revealed that the tech industry is investing record amounts in lobbying, with the eight largest tech companies collectively spending $36 million.

The report noted that Meta accounted for the largest share, spending $13.8 million and employing 86 lobbyists this year. Nvidia and OpenAI reported the steepest increases, with Nvidia spending 388% more than last year and OpenAI’s investment rising over 44%.

Prior to Trump’s AI plan announcement, over 100 prominent labor, environmental, civil rights, and academic organizations rebutted the president’s approach by endorsing the “People’s AI Plan.” In their statement, they stressed the necessity for “relief from technology monopolies,” which often prioritize profits over the welfare of ordinary people.

“Our freedoms, the happiness of our workers and families, the air we breathe, and the water we drink cannot be compromised for the sake of unchecked AI advancements, influenced by big tech and oil lobbyists,” the group stated.

In contrast, tech firms and industry associations celebrated the executive order. Companies like Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Meta, Palantir, Nvidia, and Anthropic praised the initiative. James Czerniawski, head of emerging technology policy at Proview Celebrity Lobbying Group Consumer Choice Center, described Trump’s AI plan as a “bold vision.”

“This marks a significant departure from the Biden administration’s combative regulatory stance,” Czerniawski concluded.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Wild Ones Review: New Nature Documentary Urges Action to Protect Six Endangered Species

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Panthera Pardus Taliana, a white leopard found in Armenia

Apple TV+

Wild Ones
Apple TV+

The latest nature documentary from Apple TV+, Wild Ones, offers an insider’s perspective, showcasing three expert efforts in a series that truly deserves attention.

The opening narration reminds us that nature faces dire threats, with around 150 species disappearing daily. The mission of the film is to “find, document, and protect” six of the most endangered species, aiming not only to raise awareness but also to prompt action from local officials to prevent extinction.

Camera Trap Specialists Declan Burley, Wildlife Cameraman Vianet Djenguet, and Expedition Leader Aldo Kane embark on a global journey to capture footage of the world’s rarest wildlife.

The first episode leads them into the Malaysian jungle, searching for a rare tiger. Subsequent episodes will take viewers to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to find Gobi Bears, and onto tracking the Javan rhinos, the Gabon gorilla, and Caucasian leopards, in addition to marine life such as the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis.

This series employs advanced technology like drones and thermal imaging to produce breathtaking visuals of the animals and their environments. The untouched rainforests of Malaysia—often further from human contact than places visited by astronauts—are just part of the previously unseen natural world that Wild Ones uncovers.

However, the success of the documentary hinges on Burley, Djenguet, and Kane’s emotional engagement, which keeps viewers invested in the animals’ fates. Their reactions, whether witnessing an elusive leopard or the plight of whales caught in nets, leave an indelible mark on the audience.

Seeing three on-screen experts doing their job will hook stubborn fans of the genre

In a poignant moment deep within Taman Negara National Park, Burley reviews footage from a hidden camera, initially excited about capturing a rare Malayan tiger, only to discover that the creature has been maimed by a poacher’s trap.

Burley shares the footage with Djenguet and Kane, his connection to the animals rendering him visibly emotional. Local experts point out that such striking images are vital, sparking action from viewers worldwide. The trio understands their role, but the distress it causes them is undeniable.

While the emotional weight is palpable, the episodes’ lengths and scripted interactions sometimes disrupt the flow. Occasional forced humor and dramatic elements can dilute the impact, making the experience feel less authentic.

Nonetheless, as the series progresses, Burley, Djenguet, and Kane become more at ease on camera, captivating dedicated fans with their expertise and drawing in audiences eager for authenticity.

This series stands out in the realm of nature documentaries, providing an intimate look at the emotional turmoil, physical challenges, and the enduring patience required to produce such content. With dozens of cameras stationed in perilous locations, team members must meticulously return for footage, sometimes after months.

Ultimately, capturing footage of these endangered animals in Wild Ones is not just a visual feast; it’s a compelling call to action aimed at preserving these species for future generations.

Gregory Wakeman is a Los Angeles-based author.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Silent Billionaire: Investing $1 Billion in Climate Action

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Nestled in a quieter street of vibrant central London, the headquarters of a significant yet under-the-radar climate organization awaits your discovery.

The Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) annually allocates hundreds of millions of dollars to some of the most impactful campaign groups and scientific institutions, at the forefront of research and advocacy in green transitions. It funds initiatives such as anti-methane vaccines for livestock, sustainable aviation fuel, geothermal energy, and carbon capture technologies.

As research budgets tighten in universities and across the UK, organizations like QCF step in to facilitate the shift toward net-zero emissions.

Established in 2019 as a charitable arm of the Four Seasons hedge fund, the QCF empowers founders Greg Skinner and Sunil Setya to tackle climate challenges. Recently recognized in the Sunday Times Rich List for their philanthropic efforts, they contributed over $6.7 million to climate-related initiatives last week through the foundation. In total, QCF has dispersed over $1 billion to climate interventions, ranking it as one of the largest and most influential climate charities globally.

Who decides which research projects to back, what causes to prioritize, and the strategic direction to pursue? Greg de Temmerman, a former nuclear physicist and the QCF’s Chief Science Officer, is tasked with evaluating proposals to identify the most promising initiatives.

Madeleine Cuff: Could you explain your transition from a nuclear fusion focus to climate strategy?

Greg de Temmerman: I worked on the ITER project [an international fusion experiment based in France] for seven years, the largest scientific endeavor on Earth. Throughout this period, I engaged in outreach efforts to demystify fusion. Unfortunately, the project faced mounting delays.

I was frequently interacting with decision-makers, which illuminated the divide between scientific research and policy-making. Consequently, I chose to exit fusion in 2020 and co-founded a think tank with a Parisian entrepreneur, aiming to bridge the gap between policymakers and early-stage technology. In 2023, I joined the Quadrature Climate Foundation where I continue this mission, but now with greater resources to effect change.

Controversial geoengineering initiatives, like this insulation project in Switzerland, are under scrutiny

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Explain your current role at QCF.

QCF’s mission is to promote projects and partnerships that can drive global change. Our portfolio includes support for early-stage technologies, advocacy, campaigns, technical work, capacity building, and more. It’s crucial to identify the problem at hand.

For instance, one might say, “I want to boost renewable energy,” but what obstacles stand in the way? Is it financial resources? Infrastructure issues? I was brought on board to ask these critical questions and ensure we pursue the right solutions.

How does charitable funding differ from traditional investments and government support?

Charitable funding doesn’t seek financial returns, allowing for greater risk-taking than typical investments. Moreover, we can move more swiftly than government entities. Essentially, we both catalyze the net-zero movement and act as a catalyst for other funding sources.

With an impressive annual budget reaching around $325 million in 2025, do you face significant influences?

We are notable players in climate finance but still small in comparison to what’s needed for a successful climate transition. While it feels empowering to operate at this scale, our budget pales in comparison to the global demands of climate mitigation.

You support various initiatives, from studying climate change impacts to advocating for clean tech entrepreneurship. Can you share a particular success?

We were among the first substantial funders of permanent carbon removal techniques. Our initiatives aimed to develop a compliance market while emphasizing accountability measures. This became critical following discussions ignited by the last international climate change report, which highlighted the necessity for negative emissions, leading to serious dialogue on the subject.

Last year, you introduced a new strategy, shifting focus towards adaptation and resilience in climate change. What prompted this shift?

The climate crisis is accelerating, with more extreme weather events becoming a norm. Adaptation is essential to any decarbonization efforts. This new strategy seeks to unify our initiatives under a coherent vision, aligning with what our founders find most impactful.

As part of the new strategy, you’ll be supporting climate intervention research, particularly geoengineering, which can be contentious. What motivates this funding?

Indeed, these scientific endeavors should predominantly come from public funding, which has been lacking for various reasons. Thus, we decided to support this research to ensure that vital questions are being explored.

This sector raises major ethical concerns. How can you justify financial support for it?

I don’t have a definitive stance on the ethics of geoengineering. Currently, it’s a complex arena that necessitates rigorous understanding, and I don’t endorse any immediate applications of geoengineering techniques.

Our intent is to spark discussions about geoengineering, especially as new startups emerge in this field, despite existing research lagging behind.

Is your support strictly for foundational research, or do you engage with field trials as well?

Much of our backing centers around fundamental climate science. One pressing issue in geoengineering is understanding cloud formation, which parallels many critical challenges in climate science. We funded a minimal outdoor experiment in the U.S. that was suspended after a few weeks due to public backlash. We prefer to remain cautious and utilize robust climate models to predict the impacts of geoengineering. Comprehensive observational capabilities are essential for effective outdoor trials, and we believe there remains much work in foundational climate science.

In the current political climate, with leaders like former President Trump rolling back climate policies, how do you navigate these headwinds?

Transition involves disruption; established systems resist change while new ones emerge, and this tension can be challenging. It’s essential to foster understanding of this dynamic and communicate the complexities inherent to the transition process.

The upcoming years may be tough. Addressing climate issues has become increasingly challenging. In the UK, rising electricity costs compound the disconnect between the public’s perception of renewable energy benefits and their current bills, which can lead to skepticism.

However, there’s compelling motivation to move away from fossil fuels, independent of climate beliefs. Oil and gas markets are notoriously unstable, making diversification essential for resilience. The key is to demonstrate that energy transitions benefit everyone, regardless of their views on climate action.

Oil refinery at sunset in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Panoramic Images/Alamy

Climate disinformation and malign players pose challenges. What can be done to combat this?

Attacks on climate science persist, but the overwhelming evidence supports the scientific consensus. While some may cling to flat Earth beliefs, the facts remain clear. Increasingly, the discourse pivots to contesting solutions rather than the scientific basis itself. For instance, searching “Electric Car” on YouTube reveals numerous videos disputing their efficacy. These discussions, while interesting, rely heavily on data and understanding.

What exciting prospects lie ahead for QCF in the coming year?

To transform industries, we must bring down energy costs, and there are opportunities to achieve that. Furthermore, tackling industrial emissions—once deemed difficult—is now achievable with ready solutions. It’s an exhilarating time as skeptics claimed decarbonizing sectors like steel was impossible. But now, we know we can do it.

As you’ve identified as a major player, how do you cope with the responsibility of influencing climate transition?

It’s about recognizing our role within the broader system and acknowledging our limitations. It’s vital to approach initiatives with the belief that we can unlock new possibilities, while remaining open to the reality that we may not always be correct.

How do you maintain optimism in a time where climate progress appears stagnant?

I often say my optimism shines on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; I’m more pessimistic on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Sundays reserved for reflection.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

GTA 6 Delivers: Will the Notorious Cynical Action Series Finally Embrace Romance?

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something exciting is coming to Grand Theft Auto Universe next year. This isn’t just about stunning graphics or uncharted territories in Rockstar’s version of the US; it goes much deeper. If you caught the recently released second trailer for GTA6, it was unveiled mercilessly just days after the announcement that the game won’t be available until May next year. What’s new is romance.

The main characters in this latest gangster saga are Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, two young lovers from rough backgrounds. He’s a former attire turned drug runner, while she’s just out of prison and determined to create a better life for herself and her beloved mother. Their paths cross as they devise plans to escape their gritty surroundings. However, when a seemingly straightforward robbery takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves entangled in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. If Rockstar is telling a love story, you can bet it includes an Underworld Kingpin, gang members, conspiracy theorists, and a horrifying array of corrupt politicians.




Slazy Rider…Grand Theft Auto 6. Illustration: Rockstar Game

But how do writers create a couple that resonates with the series’ tone and lore? Traditionally, it has focused on deeply flawed, solitary characters like the PTSD-afflicted veteran Nico Bellic and the volatile Trevor Phillips. There was a brief romantic subplot in previous games—Mercedes Cortes, CJ’s short affair, the entanglements of Catalina in San Andreas, and the flirtations woven throughout Tommy Vercetti’s escapades. Even Trevor’s odd interactions with Patrice in GTA5 featured sparse love stories filled with Stockholm syndrome. Yet, in these narratives, emotional dynamics often took a backseat to violent heists and adrenaline-fueled car chases. The GTA universe has been largely nihilistic, emphasizing individualism often accompanied by a façade of camaraderie before brutal betrayal. However, the new GTA trailer hints at a fresh integrity. “Rather than superficial fantasies, Lucia is prepared to seize control. A life with Jason could lead her to new horizons.”

Writers still look to cinema for inspiration. With its themes of violence and luxury cars under the sun, Vice City drew from Scarface and Miami Vice. GTA: San Andreas channeled the cinematic essence of early ’90s South Central LA through films by John Singleton and the Hughes brothers. GTA 4 took cues from French crime dramas and Russian gangster films. Already, GTA6 is drawing comparisons to Bonnie and Clyde, another tale of troubled lovers willing to risk everything for love. Yet, Rockstar seems to have delved deeper, studying the true romance depicted in Sam Peckinpah’s classics and Terrence Malick’s Badlands—a story of a thrilling but ultimately discontent couple. Even Natural Born Killers may provide surreal inspiration for this new arc.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/VQRLujxTm3c?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 2" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Regardless, this is timely. With all its satire and moral ambiguity, GTA titles have often lacked subtlety. Relationship dynamics have traditionally been tied to the honor code of dysfunctional families and the hypermasculine gangland ethos. This series has never featured a female lead protagonist until now. We’re witnessing the emergence of new dynamics.

Perhaps GTA will approach romance similarly to how it has explored friendship in the past. Take Roman and Nico in GTA 4, who embody contrasts of darkness and violence alongside meaningful risks. Expect minimal player influence in the relationship’s development since GTA isn’t a strict role-playing adventure. Story progression hinges more on actions rather than dialogue. However, I’m curious about what the writers have observed about human behavior from the increasingly popular multiplayer spinoff, GTA Online, where dedicated role-playing servers have fostered virtual relationships.

In any case, I’m rooting for Lucia and Jason. They represent some of the most intriguing characters we’ve seen in the series—already generating buzz online as fans have shipped them. While Rockstar’s art team typically depicts characters as reflections of internal decay, these two are undeniably attractive and share a strong chemistry. Perhaps Rockstar recognizes that the current state of the world—and perhaps our desires—yearns for genuine romantic connection. Next May, expect both love and bullets to fly.

Source: www.theguardian.com

What Does Australia’s Vote Indicate for Climate Action in a Major Coal Economy?

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Few voters have as much influence over climate change as Australians do.

In terms of per capita greenhouse gas emissions, only the US and Canada are close to Australia. The nation stands as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuels, significantly contributing to global warming by selling vast quantities of natural gas to Asian countries, alongside some of the most polluting fossil fuels.

As national elections approach this Saturday, polls indicate that climate change is not a primary concern for many voters. However, the leading candidates from the Labour Party and the Liberal Party hold starkly different views on climate and energy policies.

At the forefront is the reliance on aging coal plants, which dominate the country’s electricity generation.

“We’ve seen various approaches worldwide,” stated Andrew McIntosh, a professor of environmental law and policy at the Australian National University. “On one hand, there’s a push for expanding renewable energy, while on the other, a conservative coalition advocates for nuclear power.”

Both strategies aim to reduce emissions, according to McIntosh, though many remain puzzled by the nuclear initiative. Nuclear plants can take over a decade to build, while renewable energy solutions can be implemented in just a few months.

“We need to rely on coal for years to come,” he added.

In some ways, analysts compare the polarized situation in Australia to that in the US, where former President Donald J. Trump downplayed climate science, dismissing it as a scam. Matt McDonald, a political scientist specializing in climate matters at the University of Queensland, remarked:

However, instead of heightening Australians’ concerns about climate change, Trump’s criticisms “don’t seem to have generated significant international momentum to address the issue, effectively cooling tensions on both sides,” said Dr. McDonald.

If Australians are feeling pressure, it stems from surging household energy prices. According to Australian energy regulators, average energy costs have risen by approximately 60% over the last decade.

Anthony Albanese, the current Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, has committed to a relatively ambitious renewable energy target, aiming for over 80% generation by 2030.

“Yet,” Dr. MacDonald noted, “we still have a significant reliance on coal.”

Albanese’s main rival, Peter Dutton, heads a coalition that aims to increase domestic gas production for electricity generation. While gas is still a fossil fuel, it is far less polluting than coal. Dutton proposes requiring gas producers to sell portions of their output to Australian electricity grids while expediting approvals for new drilling projects.

Generally, both parties endorse gas development, with Australia being the second-largest gas exporter globally, following the US.

Polling indicates a competitive race, revealing that the Green Party and the so-called Teal Independents strongly advocate for robust climate policies and could play a crucial role in Congress. “If they maintain their current seats, they will be in a position to advocate more strongly for climate action, such as reducing coal exports,” Dr. McDonald said.

A significant question looming globally is whether Australia will host next year’s annual United Nations-sponsored Global Climate Conference, commonly known as COP. Australia is currently vying with Türkiye to secure this event, which comes with notable geopolitical significance and economic advantages, drawing tens of thousands of delegates.

Host countries typically influence the ambition levels of negotiations, and Prime Minister Albanese’s administration has been lobbying for international support for Australia’s bid for over a year. “If they are elected, it’s unlikely to happen under the coalition government,” Dr. McDonald concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Curiosity Rover Uncovers Carbonate Minerals on Early Mars, Revealing the Carbon Cycle in Action

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NASA’s curiosity rover discovered evidence of the ancient Mars carbon cycle, bringing scientists closer to answers on whether the planet can support life.

Curiosity watches the track retreat in the distance on April 30, 2023 at a site called Ubajara. This site is where Rover discovered the Siderate. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

Planetary researchers have long believed that Mars once had a thick carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere and liquid water on the surface of the planet.

That carbon dioxide and water should have reacted with Mars rocks to produce carbonate minerals.

However, to date, rover missions and near-infrared spectroscopy analysis from Mars orbit satellites have not discovered the amount of carbonate on the Earth’s surface predicted by this theory.

“We’ve seen a lot of experience in the world,” said Dr. Benjamin Tutoro, a researcher at the University of Calgary.

“The planet is habitable and shows that the model of habitability is correct.”

Using data collected by curiosity, Dr. Tutoro and his colleagues analyzed the composition of the 89 m stratigraphic section of Gail Crater, which once contained an ancient lake.

They identified high concentrations of iron carbonate minerals called siderelites in layers rich in magnesium sulfate, ranging from about 5% to over 10% by weight.

This was unexpected as orbital measurements had not detected carbonates in these layers.

Given its source and chemistry, the researchers speculate that the Seidelians, formed by the water rock reaction and evaporation, indicate that carbon dioxide has been chemically isolated from the Martian atmosphere to sedimentary rocks.

If the mineral composition of these sulfate layers represents a globally sulfate-rich region, these deposits contain large carbon reservoirs that were previously unrecognised.

The carbonate is partially destroyed by a later process, indicating that some of the carbon dioxide was later returned to the atmosphere, creating a carbon cycle.

“The discovery of abundant siderelites in Gale Crater represents both an astonishing and important breakthrough in understanding Mars’ geological and atmospheric evolution,” Dr. Tutoro said.

Dr. Thomas Bristow, a researcher at NASA’s Ames Research Center, added:

“A mere centimeters below gives us a good idea of ​​minerals that were formed on or near the surface about 3.5 billion years ago.”

Survey results It will be displayed in the journal Science.

____

Benjamin M. Tsutoro et al. 2025. Carbonates identified by the curiosity rover show the carbon cycle operating on ancient Mars. Science 388 (6744): 292-297; doi: 10.1126/science.ado9966

Source: www.sci.news

Rematch delivers heart-pounding five-a-side soccer action with intense excitement

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IIn the early 00’s, off-beat sports games were king. From the slam dunking shenanigans on NBA Street to the absurdity that stops the Mario Striker show, once serious competition has been rethought as a surprising, stupid grim match. But with the arrival of the era of live services, Sports Sims was not about playing pulse pumps, but about collecting more and more expensive virtual trading cards.

Please enter a rematch. This is a refreshing action-packed rethink of a beautiful game. Channel the crude thrills of five sides of the Power League and rematch tactics focused on FIFA teams and put you in a single player studded boot. With third-person action game-like controls, developer Sloclap has guided the channel to create heavy, skill-driven soccer, with martial arts-heavy experiences in previous titles SIFU and Absolver. It’s wonderfully agile, fast, and ferocious. The pass is delivered manually, the shot is curled in the heat of the moment, and the goalkeeper sprints down the half-hearted line, as Oliver Kahn owns. Free slide tackles and bike kicks are the order of the day, and I can’t stop grinning as I win my teammates and each half-line screamer.

“FIFA is a football simulation, and the rematch is a football player simulation,” says Pierre Tarno’s creative director. “In the game, there is no more kick action to pass to this type of pass, so “Let’s make it happen!”




Reflex test… a rematch. Photo: Sloclap

Sifu has also recursively tested the gameplay of the recursive test to kickabout, where you knocked out 7 shades from many martial arts masters. Thanks to high levels of player control, the match is surprisingly quick. Without the other 10 controllable players, the rematch is a game of constant movement. Sprints take valuable stamina and keeping the “Do” button at all times is always a quick way to FIFA. Thankfully there is a hidden trick underneath the knee pads. The tap on the bumper allows for a sudden, fast-speed explosion. Tied to another meter, this emergency boost is perfect for chasing a striker in a box or for throwing away a defender snapping on his heel. Immediately, I balance my midfield and defensive play and charge my goalmouse scramble in a true, crude way.

Sport the art style, a Breath of the Wild, some French Impressionism, and animated speed lines, and sprint through each rendered pitch. Scoring the goal will distort the virtual environment around you, change the Smash Bros style that has changed the background of the stage, and align the main team’s home stadium as the ball hits the back of the net with an explosion of color.

According to Tarno, Rematch’s visuals were an attempt to recreate the soft, dreamy look of paintings inside an immersive 3D stadium. But despite its charming cartoonish look, there is a welcome lack of feats against the super’s movements and gravity that fills the screen. “We once built up running the wall into the game,” he says.




A game of constant movement… a rematch. Photo: Sloclap

This is a world with a bright aesthetic and outlook. Instead of taking place within the normal Grimm Dark Dystopia of video games set in 2065, Sloclap offers a refreshing optimistic view of the future. The environment focuses on renewable energy and natural landscapes. One stadium is wrapped in a dam that generates hydraulic power, while another sees a match unfolding under the hillside with rotating wind turbines.

“We wanted to dream of a world where humanity made the right choice. It’s worth sharing cooperation and resilience on and off the pitch,” Tarno says. “It’s really about the joy of playing with friends.”

When the control finally clicks, you’ll be fully invested in the Ramshackle team. Just like Sloclap’s previous output, the rematch is about mastery. This is a game where the avatar begins with high power. In the world of Rematch, offsides, fouls, and merciless, Var is a thing of the past, and futuristic footies can’t slow the action. “I think players who are not soccer fans will be surprised that they can still enjoy football games because it’s so intense and dynamic,” Tarno says.

Since rematches are only online, the ball call system allows players to raise their hands as they scream and ask for the ball. Rematch’s futuristic footy has more to do than the touch of an Overwatch. I find the squad-driven approach and accurate manual aim as satisfying as setting goals as it scores. The rematch also shares the sense of Rocket League and Arcade relatives, but the rematch delivers a more reasonable approximation of the game, as Psyonix’s unstoppable hit watch players launch Hot Wheels-like vehicles into comical, big football.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4q2qdTSuOaw?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="REMATCH | Reveal Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The rematch is full of fun player customizations and you can design everything from choosing avatar earrings from your home or away kit. There are even vitiligo selectors and options for customizable prostheses for players to match a more comprehensive vision of the future. The rematch is a paid release, with additional items being sold in in-game currency, which is said to result in roughly half of the cosmetic items being unlocked through play.

Regardless of price range, Tarno is keenly aware that only one is really important. “There is no secret formula in game development,” he says. “The only way to achieve commercial success is to make a very good game. It’s more true about gaming than any other entertainment industry… Gamers are very discerning viewers. They are often very analytical, and the mechanisms and what works and what doesn’t work… If the game isn’t good enough, it simply doesn’t succeed.”

This month’s open beta is essential for a tweak rematch. That was promising in the first half, at least so far. I went into the demo, hoping for disposable fun like a Mario striker, leaving me with sweaty hands. Sloclap’s mission is to bring the pleasant sensation back to virtual football, and based on what he’s banded about this colorful pitch so far, the rematch has the depth to reach the big leagues.

The rematch will be released on PC, PS5 and Xbox in the summer of 2025.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Jerry Adams may take legal action against Meta for reportedly using his book to train artificial intelligence

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Former President Sinn Fair Jerry Adams is contemplating legal action against Meta for potentially using his book to train artificial intelligence.

Adams claims that Meta, and other tech companies, have incorporated several books, including his own, into a collection of copyrighted materials for developing AI systems. He stated, “Meta has utilized many of my books without obtaining my consent. I have handed the matter over to lawyers.”

On Wednesday, Sinn Féin released a statement listing the titles that were included in the collection, which contained a variety of memoirs, cookbooks, and short stories, including Adams’ autobiography “Before the Dawn: Prison Memoirs, Cage 11; Reflections on the Peace Process, Hope, and History in Northern Ireland.”

Adams joins a group of authors who have filed court documents against Meta, accusing the company of approving the use of Library Genesis, a “shadow library” known as Libgen, to access over 7.5 million books.

The authors, which include well-known names such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Jacqueline Woodson, Andrew Sean Greer, Junot Díaz, and Sarah Silverman, have alleged that Meta executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, knew that Libgen contained pirated material.

Authors have identified numerous titles from Libgen that Meta may have used to train its AI system, Llama, according to a report by the Atlantic Magazine.

The Authors Association has expressed outrage over Meta’s actions, with Chair Vanessa Fox O’Laurin stating that Meta’s actions are detrimental to writers as it allows AI to replicate creative content without permission.

Novelist Richard Osman emphasized the importance of respecting copyright laws, stating that permission is required to use an author’s work.

In response to the allegations, a Meta spokesperson stated that the company respects intellectual property rights and believes that using information to train AI models is lawful.

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Last year, Meta launched an open-source AI app called Llama, a large language model similar to other AI tools such as Open Ai’s ChatGpt and Google’s Gemini. Llama is trained on a vast dataset to mimic human language and computer coding.

Adams, a prolific author, has written a variety of genres and has been identified as one of the authors in the Libgen database. Other Northern Ireland authors listed in the database include Jan Carson, Lynne Graham, Deric Henderson, and Anna Burns as reported by BBC.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Legal action taken by newspaper in New York City joins Copyright lawsuit against US author, Openai, and Microsoft

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In New York, 12 US copyright lawsuits against Openai and Microsoft have been consolidated, with authors and news outlets suing the companies for centralization.

According to a Transfer order from the U.S. Judicial Commission on Multi-District Litigation, centralization can help coordinate findings, streamline pretrial litigation, and eliminate inconsistent rulings.

Prominent authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Michael Chabon, Junot Díaz, and comedian Sarah Silverman brought the incident to California, but it will now be moved to New York to join news outlets such as The New York Times. Other authors like John Grisham, George Sounders, Jonathan Franzen, and Jody Picoll are also involved in the lawsuits.

Although most plaintiffs opposed the merger, the transfer order addresses factual questions related to allegations that Openai and Microsoft used copyrighted works without consent to train large-scale language models (LLM) for AI products like Openai’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s copylot.

Openai initially proposed consolidating the cases in Northern California, but the Judiciary Committee moved them to the Southern District of New York for the convenience of parties and witnesses and to ensure a fair and efficient conduct of the case.

High-tech companies argue that using copyrighted works to train AI falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” but many plaintiffs, including authors and news outlets, believe otherwise.

An Openai spokesperson welcomed the development, stating that they train on publicly available data to support innovation. On the other hand, a lawyer representing Daily News looks forward to proving in court that Microsoft and Openai have infringed on their copyrights.

Some of the authors suing Openai have also filed suits against meta for copyright infringement in AI model training. Court filings in January revealed allegations against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for approving the use of copyrighted materials in AI training.

Amazon recently announced a new Kindle feature called “Recaps” that uses AI to generate summaries of books for readers. While the company sees it as a convenience for readers, some users have raised concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated summaries.

The UK government is addressing peer and labor concerns about copyright proposals, and companies are being urged to assess the economic impact of their AI plans.

This article was revised on April 4, 2025. Previous versions incorrectly identified Steven Lieberman as part of Daily News.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Hyundai Motors facing legal action over easily stolen cars

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Hyundai, a motor maker, is currently facing legal action due to allegations that one of its most popular electric vehicle models can be easily stolen in seconds. Digital security expert Elliot Ingram was shocked to see CCTV footage of a hooded burglar stealing his Hyundai Ioniq 5 in under 20 seconds from his home.

It is believed that the thief used devices available online to replicate the car’s electronic key. This incident is just one of many thefts involving this vehicle, with many owners now resorting to steering locks for added security. Ingram’s car was eventually recovered by the police, but he has decided to terminate the lease and is seeking compensation from the car company. He argues that the Korean automotive giant should have informed customers about the security vulnerabilities.

“The security system is completely compromised, making it susceptible to attacks by anyone,” he stated. “It’s no longer effective.”

Hyundai has been promoting the convenience of digital and smart keys, allowing drivers to lock/unlock the door and start the engine with just the key fob or digital key. While the new technology includes various security measures, criminal groups have found ways to bypass them.

Ingram discovered a key emulator device being sold online for 15,000 euros. This device resembles Nintendo’s Game Boy Game Console and can operate in English or Russian. It has the capability to record signals from the car and replicate them within seconds, allowing for easy unauthorized access. Last year, the automotive industry admitted to ignoring warnings over a decade ago regarding the risks associated with keyless technology and vehicle theft.

Hyundai has responded by stating that there is an industry-wide issue with organized criminal groups using electronic devices to bypass smart key lock systems. They are collaborating with law enforcement to better understand these devices and track stolen vehicles. The company is working on an update to reduce the risk of keyless theft for vehicles sold since February 2024 and is planning to provide retroactive action for earlier models.

Vehicle theft has been on the rise in the UK and Wales, with a significant increase in the use of remote devices by criminals. Legislation is being introduced to ban electronic devices used for keyless vehicle theft, with severe penalties for those found in possession of, manufacturing, importing, or distributing such devices.

In conclusion, Hyundai is focused on enhancing vehicle security to combat theft, but they do not plan to recall the vehicle. Despite the updates and measures being implemented, the company acknowledges the challenge posed by determined criminals who will stop at nothing to steal vehicles for various purposes.

Source: www.theguardian.com

X takes legal action against Modi government for censorship in New India’s content removal battle

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India’s IT Ministry has unlawfully extended its censorship authority to facilitate the removal of online content and allow “countless” government officials to enforce such orders.

The lawsuit and accusations indicate the escalation of the ongoing legal dispute between X, who is being instructed by New Delhi to take down content, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes as Musk prepares to launch Starlink and Tesla in India.

In a recent court filing dated March 5, X argues that India’s IT ministry is utilizing a government website launched by the Home Office last year to issue content blocking orders and compel social media companies to participate on the website. According to X, the process lacks stringent Indian legal safeguards concerning content removal, requiring the issuance of an order in cases of sovereignty or public order harm and involving strict monitoring by top officials.


India’s IT Ministry redirected a request for comment to the Home Office, but did not respond.

The government’s website stated it was attempting to counter the directive by establishing an “unacceptable parallel mechanism” that would lead to “unchecked censorship of Indian information.”

X’s court documents have not been publicly released and were initially reported by the media on Thursday. The case was briefly heard earlier this week by a judge from the Southern High Court of Karnataka, but a final decision was not reached. The next hearing is scheduled for March 27th.

In 2021, X, previously known as Twitter, faced a dispute with the Indian government over defying a legal order to block certain tweets related to farmers’ protests against government policies. X eventually complied after facing backlash from the public, but the legal challenge remains ongoing in Indian courts.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nigeria takes legal action against $81.5 billion cryptocurrency market for economic losses and tax evasion

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Nigeria has filed a lawsuit seeking $79.5 billion from the government for economic losses caused by $2 billion in cryptocurrency exchange operations and back taxes, according to court documents filed on Wednesday.

Authorities have criticized Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, blaming it for the devaluation of the Nigerian currency. Two executives of the company were arrested in 2024 after local Naira trading websites emerged as popular platforms. Binance, which is not registered in Nigeria, has not yet commented on the situation.

The Nigerian Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS) claims that Binance owes corporate income tax due to its significant economic presence in the country. FIRS is seeking income tax payments for 2022 and 2023, along with a 10% annual penalty on the outstanding amounts. Additionally, FIRS is demanding an unpaid tax rate of 26.75% based on the interest rate of the Nigerian central bank.

Nigeria is already facing four counts of tax evasion related to the cryptocurrency industry, including non-payment of VAT, company income tax, failure to file tax returns, and conspiracy to help customers evade taxes through the platform.

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In response to the allegations, Binance announced in March that it had halted all Naira transactions. The company is also facing separate allegations of institutional money laundering, which it has denied.

Source: www.theguardian.com

After US Withdraws from Paris Agreement, What Comes Next for Global Climate Action?

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Donald Trump holds executive order announcing the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

On January 20, a crowd at a stadium in Washington, D.C., erupted in cheers as U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord on stage. of order He said the move was to prioritize “America first.” But environmental groups condemned the decision, saying that withdrawing the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter from the agreement would simultaneously cede U.S. influence in international negotiations to rival clean energy giant China. , argued that it would make climate change even worse.

“This is an issue where the United States and the Trump administration are shooting themselves in the foot,” he says. David Waskow at the World Resources Institute, a global environmental nonprofit organization. “That would be ignoring the United States.”

This is the second time President Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is a landmark agreement reached in 2015 to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages. It took three years for the initial withdrawal in 2017 to be formalized under UN treaty provisions, and the US only left for a few months before former President Joe Biden rejoined the country in 2021.

The deal now requires a year for withdrawal to be formally recognized, at which point the U.S. will be the only major economy not part of the deal. Other countries that have not signed are Libya, Yemen and Iran.

“This is definitely not good news for international climate action,” he says. Li Shuo At the Asian Social Policy Institute in Washington, DC. Unlike the United States' first withdrawal, this second withdrawal came at a time when the country's ambitious emissions reduction ambitions were already facing geopolitical, social, and economic obstacles. he says. Last year saw record levels of global emissions, while average global temperatures rose above 1.5°C for the first time.

A U.S. withdrawal would leave the country with no leverage to drive further emissions cuts, potentially creating an excuse for countries around the world to scale back efforts to tackle climate change. “The momentum of climate change around the world was declining even before President Trump was elected,” Lee said.

But Waskow said the U.S. withdrawal does not mean “the bottom has dropped” in global climate action. Countries responsible for more than 90 percent of global emissions are still committed to the Paris Agreement. Wind and solar energy, electric vehicles, batteries and other clean technologies also play a much bigger role in the global economy now than they did when the U.S. first left, he said.

“The rest of the world is also transitioning to clean energy,” he says. Manish Bapna at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a U.S. environmental advocacy group. “This doesn't stop that transition, it slows it down.” But it raises questions about what role the U.S. will play in shaping that future, he says.

Looming is China, which controls many of the key clean energy industries, from solar panels to batteries, and is increasingly exporting its technology to the rest of the world. “The United States would not only be ceding influence over how those markets are formed, but also the duration of those markets,” Waskow said. “I don't think other countries think of the United States first when they think about who they should engage with.”

The global retreat from climate action also comes as the new Trump administration moved quickly to reverse, abandon, or block the policies of its predecessor in a flurry of executive orders issued on its first day in office. These include banning federal permits for wind energy and reversing policies introduced by Mr. Biden to promote electric vehicles. Other plans aim to expand fossil fuel development on federal lands, coastal waters and Alaska and increase natural gas exports to settle further orders. I declare It's a “national energy emergency.” “We train, baby, we train,” he said in his inaugural address.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ofcom calls for action following allegations of Roblox being a ‘pedophile hellscape’ by US company

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Child safety activists have urged the UK’s communications watchdog to enforce new online laws following accusations that video game companies have turned their platforms into “hellscapes for adult pedophiles.” They are calling for “gradual changes.”

Last week, Roblox, a popular gaming platform with 80 million daily users, came under fire for its lax security controls. An investment firm in the US criticized Roblox, claiming that its games expose children to grooming, pornography, violent content, and abusive language. The company has denied these claims and stated that safety and civility are fundamental to their operations.

The report highlighted concerning issues such as users seeking to groom avatars, trading in child pornography, accessible sex games, violent content, and abusive behavior on Roblox. Despite these concerns, the company insists that millions of users have safe and positive experiences on the platform, and any safety incidents are taken seriously.

Roblox, known for its user-generated content, allows players to create and play their own games with friends. However, child safety campaigners emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of online safety laws to protect young users from harmful content and interactions on platforms like Roblox.

Platforms like Roblox will need to implement measures to protect children from inappropriate content, prevent grooming, and introduce age verification processes to comply with the upcoming legislation. Ofcom, the regulator responsible for enforcing these laws, is expected to have broad enforcement powers to ensure user safety.

In response, a Roblox spokesperson stated that the company is committed to full compliance with the Online Safety Act, engaging in consultations and assessments to align with Ofcom’s guidelines. They look forward to seeing the final code of practice and ensuring a safe online environment for all users.

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI chatbot spreading false information about voting, election officials take action | US election 2024

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Following Joe Biden’s announcement of not seeking reelection, misinformation surfaced online regarding the potential for a new candidate to assume the presidency.

Screenshots claiming nine states couldn’t add new candidates to the ballot quickly went viral on Twitter (now X) and were widely viewed. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office received requests to fact-check these posts which turned out to be completely false as the voting deadline had not passed and Kamala Harris had ample time to be added to the ballot.

The misinformation originated from Twitter’s chatbot Grok, which provided an incorrect response when asked if new candidates could still be added to the ballot.

This incident served as a test case for the interaction between election officials and artificial intelligence companies in the 2024 US presidential election, amid concerns that AI could mislead or distract voters. It also highlighted the potential role Grok could play as a chatbot lacking strict guardrails to prevent the generation of inflammatory content.

A group of secretaries of state and the National Association of Secretaries of State contacted Grok and X to report the misinformation. Initial attempts to correct it were ineffective, prompting Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to express disappointment at the lack of action.

While the impact of the misinformation was relatively minor, prompting no hindrance to voting, the secretaries of state took a strong stance to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The secretaries launched a public effort by signing an open letter to Grok’s owner, Elon Musk, urging the chatbot to redirect election-related queries to trusted sources like CanIVote.org. Their efforts led to Grok now directing users to vote.gov when asked about the election.

Simon praised the company for eventually taking responsible action and emphasized the importance of early and consistent debunking of misinformation to maintain credibility and prompt corrective responses.

Despite initial setbacks, Grok’s redirection of users and Musk’s philosophy against centralized control offer hope for combating misinformation. It is critical to prevent AI tools like Grok from further exacerbating partisan divisions or spreading inaccurate information.

The potential for paid subscriptions and widespread usage of Grok integrated into social media platforms poses challenges in addressing the risk of deceptive content creation. Efforts to address and rectify misinformation are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of elections and ensuring responsible use of AI-based tools.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Addressing Foreign Online Disinformation: Government Action Needed

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Online misinformation has fuelled tensions over immigration, sparking riots in Sunderland and other parts of the UK.

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Last week, Pakistani police Sued the man Cyber ​​terrorism links have been made in relation to a misleading news article that allegedly sparked riots in the UK. The article falsely claimed that an asylum seeker was responsible for the murder of three girls in Southport, UK, and the misinformation spread rapidly on social media, fuelling anger against immigrants.

The threat of online misinformation causing real-world problems is a major concern for governments around the world, particularly…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Black Myth: Wukong – An Exciting and Thrilling Action Game | Games

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B
Missing Myth: Wukong is a video game that focuses on spectacle, but true awe requires confidence. This confidence is often lacking in big-budget games where developers play it safe, concerned about mainstream appeal. Despite its cutting-edge graphics, Black Myth: Wukong stands out as a potential hit, but surprisingly, it’s developed by the Chinese indie studio Game Science. The game’s polished experience is so impressive that it’s hard to believe it’s the studio’s first “premium” game.

Based on the classic 16th-century novel, Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong allows players to step into the shoes of the novel’s main character, the stone monkey, Son Goku. Son Goku possesses incredible strength, speed, and the ability to transform into various creatures and objects, manipulate the weather, and even create clones of himself. The game introduces these abilities through an exhilarating tutorial where Wukong faces off against gods and armies, providing a constant adrenaline rush throughout its 40-hour playtime.

Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from modern action games, particularly the challenging “Soul-like” genre known for epic boss fights. The game’s combat mechanics feel heavy and swift, with attention to detail like the use of soaking gourds to enhance abilities, immersing players in an authentic world.

Unlike many action games, Wukong isn’t open-world, devoid of mini-maps and quest logs. The lack of handholding encourages exploration and trust in the game’s process, leading players through dangerous terrains and breath-taking landscapes without distractions.





Capturing the allure of exploration…Black Myth: Wukong.

Photo: GameScience

In addition to exploration, Wukong caters to curiosity with hidden areas that only become visible once players acquire specific items or interact with certain characters. These optional sections, called “Attachment,” play into Buddhist themes of attachment leading to suffering, adding depth to the game’s narrative and gameplay.

Black Myth: Wukong’s success is a testament to its captivating gameplay and storytelling. Despite initial surprise at its origin from a country known for mobile games, the game’s accessibility to Chinese audiences has contributed to its massive popularity. It’s a game that transcends market expectations and delivers an exceptional gaming experience.

Black Myth: Wukong is out now, priced at £54.99.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Monster Hunter Wild: Discover even fiercer and more intimidating creatures in this exciting action game

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ohBut out in the desert, the skies begin to darken. You are here to hunt Dosha-gama – fearsome, scaly, lion-like, squashed-faced beasts that roam the dunes in small herds. But a looming storm suggests something much bigger is approaching. Soon, a giant shadow descends from the heavens: Lei Dau, a horned, gold-trimmed dragon who wields lightning. Are you strong enough to face it? Or is it time to flee to the hills?

Monster Hunter is one of Capcom’s most successful game series, but it wasn’t always that way. When I started playing it on the PlayStation Portable in 2006, very few people were interested. It was notoriously cumbersome, demanding, and difficult, and online play didn’t work well. On the other hand, when I moved to Japan in 2008, it was hard not to see someone playing Monster Hunter on the train or in a cafe. It was 2018’s Monster Hunter: World that really made the game a global hit. Technology finally allowed for vast natural settings worthy of gigantic, intimidating, and highly realistic monsters, and smooth online play became a reality.




Watch the trailer for Monster Hunter Wild

“It was a challenge to bring the series to a global level that hadn’t been there before,” recalls Ryozo Tsujimoto, who worked as a designer on the original Monster Hunter, which was released in Japan and North America in 2004, and has led the series ever since.
“In order to make it a global hit, there are some things we haven’t done before… It may not be so visible to players, but compared to the past, we are in much closer communication with our Western offices and staff around the world, so we’re in a much better position than before to listen to player feedback and reactions to the game and decide how to approach the next title.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

The 1.5°C target may be out of reach, but climate action is still crucial

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AP Photo/François Mori, File/Alamy

As a COP26 During climate change negotiations in Glasgow, UK, in November 2021, a new slogan entered the vocabulary: “Stay at 1.5°C.” The phrase, on everyone’s lips from politicians to climate scientists, was aimed at maintaining the goals set as part of the Paris Agreement at the COP six years ago.twenty oneIn hindsight, this ambition was probably already fizzling out, destined to remain merely an empty slogan.

New Scientist The argument began in 2022, when expert opinion did not reflect their personal views or the data we were seeing. Scientists felt trapped and unable to speak out because limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is still possible according to the laws of physics, but not realistic given the political, social and economic upheaval.

Since then, there has been a growing recognition that 1.5°C is unattainable, but there was no frank discussion of what that meant. Now, for the first time, researchers have explicitly rejected that, saying that 1.6°C is the best we can hope for, and that higher temperatures are more likely (see “Best-case scenario for climate change now is 1.6°C warming”).

Will policymakers finally realize that platitudes and slogans are not enough to combat climate change? Promises to “maintain” these targets are meaningless if we do not achieve the only means of preventing rising temperatures — reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other global-warming greenhouse gases to net zero.

Unfortunately, the phrase “net zero” is losing its original meaning as a description of atmospheric physics, and instead being used by many to mean “environmental policy I don’t like.” This is dangerous, because extreme temperature changes have locked us in a vicious cycle of emissions that only a net-zero energy system can break (see “Efforts to combat extreme temperatures are making the situation worse”). If we are to have any hope of limiting warming, we need to learn from the failure of “stay 1.5°C” and not let “net zero” become meaningless.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Former President of Twitter Vows to Take Action Against Elon Musk if Troubles Continue – Bruce Daisley

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TThe current social media trend is familiar, with self-absorbed individuals posting excessively on the platforms they dominate, a scenario we’ve seen play out in the past. Donald Trump’s incendiary tweets post-election loss resulted in the Capitol siege on January 6, 2021. Following this, the then-president was banned from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and even Pinterest, disappointing those aiming to emulate the Mar-a-Lago style on their mood boards.

The situation is likely to evolve differently this time, especially with social media provocateur Elon Musk at the helm of the platform he utilizes.

The two are set to engage on Monday, with Musk engaging directly with the former president. “An entertaining encounter is anticipated”.

During Trump’s tenure, I was stationed at Twitter as its highest-ranking official outside the U.S. Over my eight-year tenure, it became apparent that there was a disparity in the interpretation of free speech between the UK and the U.S., with the latter often championing a libertarian outlook on the concept.

As the UK subsidiary of an American entity, we witnessed a daily fervent defense of free speech. Twitter’s founding legal advisor, Alex MacGillivray, famously dubbed the company as “the free speech wing of the free speech party.” While the U.S. often assumes its freedoms are unique, the UK’s Human Rights Act of 1998 guarantees freedom of speech while also acknowledging its responsibility, stressing that it should not be used to incite criminal activities or spread hatred.

For American tech firms, the interpretation of “free speech” varies. During my tenure at Twitter under a more enlightened leadership, the UK team quickly realized that the Silicon Valley notion of “free speech” wasn’t always geared towards fostering an ideal world. Instead, it often allowed certain groups to target marginalized sections of society, such as women, the LGBTQ+ community, and ethnic minorities, with impunity, detracting from the platform’s original enjoyable nature.

Working within the UK office felt akin to operating within a parliamentary system devoid of a written constitution, relying more on external expectations to shape the organization’s direction.

Efforts to brand “free speech” as a philosophical conviction notwithstanding, its appeal to tech companies is primarily economic. As journalist Kara Swisher notes, Silicon Valley’s approach is more profit-driven than principle-based, evidenced by the support for Trump within San Francisco’s venture capital realm. Holding tech oligarchs accountable for their platforms’ content is feasible and necessary.

Considerations around Musk’s tweets often offer insights into his actions. For instance, his posts on social media platforms like Instagram highlight his late-night musings, providing clues about his mindset and geographic location. Musk’s propensity for controversial posts and real-world ramifications underscores the need for accountability on social media platforms.

The discussion centers on whether billionaire oligarchs like Musk should be allowed to influence societal discourse unchecked. Calls for regulation and accountability in the social media landscape are imperative to address the challenges posed by influential figures like Musk.

  • Bruce Daisley served as Twitter’s vice president for Europe, Middle East, and Africa from 2012 to 2020.

  • If you have any comments on the topics discussed in this article and wish to submit a response of up to 300 words for publication in our Letters section, please click here.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Class action lawsuit accuses CrowdStrike of defrauding investors | Technology sector

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CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity company that caused a massive global computer outage in July, has been sued for misleading investors.

A class action lawsuit filed in Texas by the Plymouth County Retirement Association, a pension fund, alleges that CrowdStrike misled investors by representing its technology as “verified, tested and certified,” when in fact, the investors allege, CrowdStrike's software was anything but.

“Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) CrowdStrike implemented insufficient controls over its Falcon update procedures and did not adequately test Falcon updates before deploying them to customers; (2) this improper software testing created a significant risk that the Falcon updates would cause widespread outages for many of the company's customers; and (3) such outages could, and ultimately did, result in significant reputational damage and legal risk for CrowdStrike.” As a result, the lawsuit alleges, “CrowdStrike's stock price was traded artificially inflated until the widespread outages allowed its stock price to recover.”

“We believe this lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend the company,” a CrowdStrike spokesperson said.

Securities fraud lawsuits typically arise after an adverse event has occurred for a company. If the reasons for a decline in a stock price were not clearly disclosed to investors in advance, a defendant may be able to prevail by arguing that the lack of disclosure constituted a fraudulent sale of the relevant shares.

CrowdStrike also faces more general legal liability for the outage. Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian estimated on Wednesday that the outage would force the cancellation of more than 5,000 flights and ultimately cost the company $500 million (£391 million). He said airlines had “no choice” but to seek damages as a result.

“To get priority access to the Delta ecosystem on the technology side, we need to test how it works. We can't just walk into a mission-critical operation that runs 24/7 and say there's a bug,” Bastian added. “We have to protect our shareholders. We have to protect our customers and employees, not just from costs but from damage to our brand and reputation.”

The outage, which crashed roughly 1% of Windows PCs worldwide, was estimated to have cost the Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. alone $5 billion. Nevertheless, the company's most visible response, aside from its efforts to restore service, was to thank “teammates and partners” who helped resolve the outage by sending $10 UberEats gift cards, though Uber quickly blocked the gift cards due to fears of possible fraud.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Astronomers Witness Starburst Galaxy NGC 4449 in Action

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Astronomers using the International Gemini Observatory’s Gemini North Telescope have imaged NGC 4449, a prime example of starburst activity caused by an ongoing merger with a nearby dwarf galaxy.

NGC 4449 is located in the constellation Canes Venatici and is about 12.5 million light-years away from Earth.

Also known as Caldwell 21, LEDA 40973, and UGC 7592, the galaxy has a diameter of about 20,000 light-years.

NGC 4449 was discovered on April 27, 1788, by German-born British astronomer William Herschel.

It is part of the M94 galaxy group, located near the Local Group, which contains our own Milky Way galaxy.

“The galaxy’s rolling red clouds and glowing blue veil light up the sky with the color of newly forming stars,” the astronomers said.

“The galaxy is classified as an Irregular Magellanic Galaxy, reflecting its loose spiral structure and similarity to the Large Magellanic Cloud, the prototype of the Magellanic Cloud.”

Stars have been forming actively within NGC 4449 for billions of years, but new stars are currently being produced at a much higher rate than in the past.

This unusually explosive and intense star formation activity qualifies this galaxy to be called a starburst galaxy.

“While starbursts typically occur in the centers of galaxies, star formation in NGC 4449 is more widespread, as evidenced by the fact that the youngest stars are found both in the galaxy’s central core and in the outflow that surrounds the galaxy,” the researchers said.

“This global starburst activity resembles the earliest star-forming galaxies in the universe, which grew by merging and agglomerating with smaller stellar systems.”

“And like its galactic progenitors, NGC 4449’s rapid star formation is likely driven by interactions with nearby galaxies.”

A member of the M94 galaxy group, NGC 4449 sits very close to several smaller galaxies around it.

Astronomers have found evidence of interactions between NGC 4449 and at least two other satellite galaxies.

One is a very faint dwarf galaxy that is actively absorbing, as evidenced by the diffuse streaming of stars on one side of NGC 4449.

“This stealthy merger is nearly undetectable by visual inspection due to its diffuse nature and low stellar mass,” the scientists said.

“But this galaxy harbors a huge amount of dark matter, and we can detect its presence through its large gravitational influence on NGC 4449.”

“Another object that offers a clue to past mergers is a massive globular cluster embedded within the outer halo of NGC 4449.”

Astronomers believe the cluster is the surviving core of a former gas-rich satellite galaxy that is now being absorbed into NGC 4449.

“As NGC 4449 interacts with and absorbs other, smaller galaxies, the gas is compressed and shocked by tidal interactions between the galaxies,” the astronomers said.

“Red glowing regions scattered throughout the image indicate this process, showing an abundance of ionized hydrogen, a clear sign of ongoing star formation.”

“Dark filaments of cosmic dust that thread their way throughout the Galaxy are causing countless hot, young, blue star clusters to emerge from the galactic oven.”

“At the current rate, NGC 4449’s supply of gas to support star formation will last only another billion years or so.”

Source: www.sci.news

Elon Musk unexpectedly withdraws legal action against Sam Altman and OpenAI

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Elon Musk has submitted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against ChatGPT developer OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, claiming that the startup has deviated from its original goal of developing artificial intelligence for the betterment of humanity.

Musk filed the lawsuit against Altman in February, and the legal process has been progressing slowly in a California court. Up until Tuesday, Musk had not shown any intention of dropping the case. Just a month ago, his legal team filed an objection, leading to the presiding judge stepping down.


Musk’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit did not provide any rationale. A San Francisco Superior Court judge was set to consider arguments from Altman and OpenAI on Wednesday to have the lawsuit thrown out.

The dismissal brought an abrupt end to the legal dispute between two influential figures in the tech realm. Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015, but Musk resigned from the board three years later following disagreements over the company’s governance and direction. Their relationship has become increasingly strained as Altman’s prominence has grown in recent years.

Musk’s lawsuit centered on his assertion that Altman and OpenAI breached the company’s “foundation agreement” by collaborating with Microsoft, transforming OpenAI into a predominantly profit-driven entity, and withholding its technology from the public.

OpenAI and Altman contested the existence of such an agreement, citing messages that appeared to show Musk supporting the shift towards a for-profit model. They vehemently denied any wrongdoing and published a blog post in March suggesting Musk’s motivations were rooted in jealousy, expressing regret that a respected figure had taken this course of action.

Musk’s lawsuit raised eyebrows among legal experts, who pointed out that certain claims, such as OpenAI achieving artificial intelligence equivalent to human intelligence, lacked credibility.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Here’s How Daylight Saving Time Can Negatively Affect Our Health – And How to Take Action

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It feels harsh. Losing one precious hour of sleep tonight.

As Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins in the UK during the summer months, clocks are scheduled as follows: Move forward one hour tonight to 1 a.m. local time. As a result, the new local daylight saving time will be 2:00 AM.

Scientists are concerned that switching to daylight saving time could have negative effects on health, including an increase in strokes, heart attacks, car accidents, and sleep deprivation, according to neurology professor and director of Vanderbilt’s sleep division, Dr. Beth Murrow in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

The impact of “springing forward” is experienced not only by the elderly but also by young people. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that teens lost an average of 2 hours and 42 minutes of sleep on weeknights after the time change in 2015.

“We need morning light to wake up, set our body clocks, improve our mood, use light boxes in the morning to treat seasonal affective disorder, and sleep better at night.” Light promotes sleep at night, but light at night disturbs sleep,” Murrow explains.

Don’t worry, there are ways to combat the lost time. Here are some simple strategies:

1. Adjust your bedtime earlier for a few days before changing your clock.

If it’s too late this time, keep this in mind for the future. Sleep experts recommend going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night during the week leading up to daylight saving time.

Temporary insomnia symptoms affect about 30 to 35 percent of adults and can be caused by sudden changes in sleep schedules, such as the transition to daylight saving time, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Gradually adapting to the time change will help you adjust and even get extra sleep during the transition, says Murrow.

If you’re feeling drowsy, it may be helpful to go to bed a bit earlier tonight.

2. Get exposure to bright light in the morning

DST aims to provide an extra hour of sunlight in the evening for socializing after work, but it can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.

To wake up in the morning and improve your sleep at night, exposing yourself to bright light is key. Natural light is preferred, especially in the summer when the sun rises earlier, according to Murrow.

“Exposure to bright morning light helps regulate your body clock, making it easier to sleep at night,” she explains.

3. Skip long naps and late-day caffeine, opt for exercise instead

If you enjoy naps, this may be disappointing news. But if you want to improve your sleep, avoid napping and caffeine.

Naps and caffeine can diminish your sleep drive, says Murrow. She suggests exercising instead.

Just remember, don’t exercise right before bed. Exercise can disrupt sleep as it raises your core body temperature and releases endorphins.

Research recommends waiting at least 90 minutes between exercising and going to bed to improve sleep quality, according to the European Journal of Sports Science.

4. Avoid using your phone before bedtime

It’s a well-known fact that using your phone before bed isn’t ideal, particularly when the clock shifts forward an hour.

Bright light in the morning helps wake you up, whereas bright light at night can hinder sleep. LED screens emit blue light, making them especially problematic at night.

Blue light disrupts the natural release of melatonin in the brain, says Murrow. Melatonin acts as a sleep switch by signaling the brain to rest when levels rise.

It may be time to eliminate daylight saving time

Despite strategies to mitigate the impact of clock changes, many experts advocate for eliminating this outdated system altogether.

Is it time for standard time to become the new norm?

alice gregory a professor of psychology and director of the Goldsmiths Sleep Institute, believes that living on a permanent standard time schedule offers health benefits. “Most people are tired of literally going back and forth,” Murrow agrees.

About our experts:

Dr. Beth Murrow is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, an associate professor of clinical research, and the director of Vanderbilt’s Sleep Division. She conducts research on the relationship between medical diseases and sleep, as well as genetics and circadian biology.

alice gregory is a psychology professor at Goldsmiths University and has contributed to various research areas including the link between sleep and psychopathology, behavioral genetics, and sleep disorders. She is also known for her public engagement in science and has published popular science books.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com