Sahelanthropus: Fossil comparison with chimpanzees and humans
Williams et al., Sci. Adv. 12, eadv0130
The long-standing debate regarding whether our earliest ancestors walked on knuckles like chimpanzees or stood upright like modern humans may be closer to resolution, yet skepticism remains.
Scott Williams and researchers at New York University recently reanalyzed fossil remains of Sahelanthropus tchadensis, indicating that this species possessed at least three anatomical features suggesting it was our earliest known bipedal ancestor.
The journey to this conclusion has been extensive.
Fossilized remains of a skull, teeth, and jawbone from approximately 7 million years ago were first identified in 2002 in Chad, north-central Africa. The distinctive features of this ancient species, including its prominent brow ridge and smaller canine teeth, were quickly acknowledged as diverging from ape characteristics.
Analyzing the skull’s anatomy suggests it was positioned directly over the vertebrae, analogous to other upright, bipedal hominins.
In 2004, French scientists uncovered the femur and ulna associated with the Sahelanthropus skull from Chad. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that researchers claimed the femur exhibited curvature similar to that of non-bipedal great apes.
Since then, scholarly debate has fluctuated. For instance, in 2022, researchers Frank Guy and Guillaume Daver of the University of Poitiers argued for anatomical features of the femur that indicate bipedalism. In 2024, Clement Zanoli and colleagues from the University of Bordeaux countered, suggesting Guy and Daver’s assertions were flawed, as the anatomical characteristics of bipedalism may also appear in non-bipedal great apes.
Lead study author Williams started with a “fairly ambivalent” stance on Sahelanthropus.
His team investigated the femur’s attachment point for the gluteus maximus muscle, finding similarities to human femur anatomy.
They also compared the femur and ulna size and shape; while similar in size to chimpanzee bones, they aligned more closely with human proportions.
Additionally, they identified the “femoral tuberosity,” a previously overlooked feature of Sahelanthropus.
“We initially identified it by touch, later confirming it with 3D scans of the fossil,” Williams shared. “This bump, present only in species with a femoral tubercle, contrasts smooth areas found in great apes and plays a critical role in mobility.”
This area serves as an attachment point for the iliofemoral ligament, the strongest ligament in the human body. While relaxed when seated, it tightens during standing or walking, securing the femoral head in the hip joint and preventing the torso from tilting backward or sideways.
However, Williams expressed doubts about whether this study would fully end the conversation about how Sahelanthropus moved.
“We are confident Sahelanthropus was an early bipedal hominin, but we must recognize that the debate is ongoing,” Williams noted.
In response to a recent paper, Guy and Daver issued a joint statement asserting that humans likely began walking on two legs by 2022: “This reaffirms our earlier interpretations about Sahelanthropus adaptations and locomotion, suggesting habitual bipedalism despite its ape-like morphology.”
They acknowledged that only new fossil discoveries could unequivocally conclude the matter.
John Hawkes, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also endorsed the new findings, noting their implications for understanding the complex origins of the hominin lineage.
“It may be deceptive to perceive Sahelanthropus as part of a gradual evolution towards an upright posture. It reveals crucial insights into these transformative changes,” Hawkes commented.
However, Zanoli contended, stating, “Most of the evidence aligns Sahelanthropus with traits seen in African great apes, suggesting its behavior was likely a mix between chimpanzees and gorillas, distinct from the habitual bipedalism of Australopithecus and Homo.
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Double-slit experiment showcases the quantum nature of reality
Russell Kightley/Science Photo Library
A thought experiment that sparked a famous debate between physicists Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr in 1927 has now been realized. This breakthrough addresses one of quantum physics’ fundamental mysteries: is light truly a wave, a particle, or an intricate mix of both?
The debate centers on the double-slit experiment, tracing back another century to 1801, when Thomas Young used it to argue for the wave nature of light, while Einstein contended it is a particle. Bohr’s contributions to quantum physics suggested that both perspectives could hold true. Einstein, critical of this notion, designed a modified version of Young’s experiment to counter it.
<p>Recently, <a href="https://quantum.ustc.edu.cn/web/en/node/137">Chaoyan Lu</a> and his team at the University of Science and Technology of China utilized cutting-edge technology in experimental physics to verify Einstein's theories, demonstrating the unique dual wave-particle character of quantum objects, as theorized in the 1920s. "Witnessing quantum mechanics 'in action' at such a foundational level is awe-inspiring," remarks Lu.</p>
<p>In the classic double-slit experiment, light is directed at two narrow parallel slits in front of a screen. If light were entirely particles, the screen would display a distinct light blob behind each slit. However, researchers observed an "interference pattern" of alternating dark and bright bands instead. This demonstrates that light behaves like waves passing through a slit, creating ripples that collide on the screen. Notably, this interference pattern remains evident even when the light intensity is reduced to a single photon. Does this imply that photons, which exhibit particle-like behavior, also interfere like waves?</p>
<p>Bohr proposed the idea of "complementarity," stating that one cannot simultaneously observe the particle nature of a photon showing wave-like behavior, and vice versa. Amid discussions on this matter, Einstein envisioned an additional spring-loaded slit that would compress when a photon entered. By analyzing the movement of the spring, physicists could determine which slit a photon passed through. Einstein believed this approach allowed for a simultaneous description of both particle and wave behavior, creating an interference pattern that contradicts complementarity.</p>
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<p>Lu's team aimed to create a setup at the "ultimate quantum limit," firing a single photon rather than using a slit, but rather an atom that could recoil similarly. Upon impacting the atom, the photon entered a quantum state that allowed it to propagate left and right, which also produced an interference pattern upon reaching the detector. To achieve this, researchers utilized lasers and electromagnetic forces to significantly cool the atoms, enabling precise control over their quantum properties. This was vital for testing Bohr's claims against Einstein's. Bohr argued that Heisenberg's uncertainty principle could disrupt the interference pattern when momentum fluctuations of the slit due to recoil are well known, rendering the photon’s position highly ambiguous, and vice versa.</p>
<p>"Bohr's response was brilliant, but such thought experiments remained theoretical for almost a century," notes Lu.</p>
<p>By adjusting the laser, Lu's team could control the momentum uncertainty of the atoms as they slitted. They found that Bohr was indeed correct; finely tuning these momentum ambiguities could eliminate interference patterns. Remarkably, the team could access intermediate regions to measure recoil information, observing blurred versions of interference patterns. Essentially, the photon displayed both wave and particle characteristics simultaneously, according to Lu.</p>
<p>``The real intrigue lies in [this] intermediate realm," states <a href="https://physics.mit.edu/faculty/wolfgang-ketterle/">Wolfgang Ketterle</a> from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Early this year, he and his team conducted a variation of Einstein's experiment, using ultracold atoms controlled by lasers that could pass through two slits. Lu's group utilized a single atom to scatter light in two directions; both atoms scattered light in the same direction, and changes in its quantum state indicated the influence of the photons colliding with each atom. Ketterle emphasizes that this approach provides a distinct means to explore wave-particle duality, offering clearer insights into photon behavior since this "which direction" information is recorded in one of the two separate atoms, albeit deviating slightly from Einstein's premise.</p>
<p>Furthermore, he and his colleagues performed experiments where they abruptly switched off the laser (similar to removing a spring from a moving slit) and subsequently directed photons at the atoms. Bohr's conclusions held, as the uncertainty principle impacted the momentum exchange between atoms and photons, potentially "washing out" the interference fringes. This spring-free iteration of Einstein's concept had remained untested until now, according to Ketterle. "Nuclear physics presents an excellent opportunity to apply cold atoms and lasers for a clearer illustration of quantum mechanics, a possibility not achievable before."</p>
<p><a href="https://physik.unibas.ch/en/persons/philipp-treutlein/">Philip Treutlein</a> and his colleagues at the University of Basel in Switzerland assert that both experiments strongly reinforce fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics. "From our modern perspective, we understand how quantum mechanics operates on a microscopic level. Yet witnessing the empirical realization of these principles is always impactful." The experiments led by Lu align conceptually with historical records of the debates between Bohr and Einstein, affirming that quantum mechanics behaves as predicted.</p>
<p>For Lu, there remains more work on categorizing the quantum state of the slit and increasing its mass. However, the experiment carries significant educational importance. "Above all, I hope to illustrate the sheer beauty of quantum mechanics," he shares. "If more young individuals witness the real-time emergence and disappearance of interference patterns and think, 'Wow, this is how nature functions,' then the experiment will already be a success."</p>
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Instagram’s method for confirming if a user surpasses 16 years old is fairly straightforward, especially when the individual is evidently an adult. However, what occurs if a 13-year-old attempts to alter their birth date to seem older?
In November, Meta informed Instagram and Facebook users whose birth dates are registered as under 16 that their accounts would be disabled as part of Australia’s prohibition on social media use for children. This rule will take effect on December 10, with Meta announcing that access for users younger than 16 will start being revoked from December 4.
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Dummy social media accounts were created on phones as part of Guardian Australia’s investigation into what content different age groups access on the platform.
Instagram notification sent to a test account with an age set to 15. Photo: Instagram/Meta
One account was created on Instagram with the age set at 15 to observe the impact of the social media ban for users under 16. Instagram later stated: “Under Australian law, you will soon be unable to use social media until you turn 16.”
“You cannot use an Instagram account until you’re 16, which means your profile will not be visible to you or anyone else until that time.”
“We’ll inform you when you can access Instagram again.”
Notice informing that test account users will lose access due to the Australian social media ban. Photo: Instagram/Meta
The account was then presented with two choices: either download account data and deactivate until the user is 16, or verify their date of birth.
Instagram notification sent to test account set to age 15 regarding date of birth review options. Photo: Instagram/Meta
The second option enables users to submit a “video selfie” to validate that the account holder is older than 16. The app activated the front-facing camera and prompted the adult test user, distinguished by a thick beard, to shift their head side to side. This resembles the authentication method used for face unlock on smartphones.
Explanation on how the “Video Selfie” feature estimates the user’s age. Photo: Instagram/Meta
The notification indicated that the verification process usually takes 1-2 minutes, but may extend up to 48 hours.
Notification sent to the test account following the date of birth verification request. Photo: Instagram/Meta
The app promptly indicated that accounts created by adult test users were recognized as 16 years or older.
A notification confirming the user’s date of birth was updated by Instagram. Photo: Instagram/Meta
In another test, a 13-year-old boy created a fresh account on his mobile device, avoiding installing Instagram and using a birth date that clearly suggested he was under 16. There was no immediate alert regarding the upcoming social media ban.
When the child attempted to change their date of birth to reflect an adult age, the same video selfie facial age estimation process was performed.
Within a minute, it replied, “We couldn’t verify your age,” and requested a government-issued ID for date of birth verification.
Facial age testing during the Age Assurance Trial revealed that individuals over 21 were generally much less prone to being misidentified as under 16. Meanwhile, those closer to 16 years of age and minorities experienced higher rates of false positives and negatives.
Meta may have already assessed users who haven’t been notified as 18 years or older, utilizing data such as birth date, account lifespan, and other user activity.
A Meta representative mentioned that the experiment demonstrated that the process functions as expected, with “adult users being capable of verifying their age and proceeding, while users under 16 undergo an age check when attempting to alter their birth date.”
“That said, we must also recognize the findings of the Age Assurance Technical Examination, which highlights the specific difficulties of age verification at the 16-year threshold and anticipates that the method may occasionally be imperfect,” the spokesperson added.
Last month, Communications Minister Annika Wells acknowledged the potential challenges confronting the implementation of the ban.
“We recognize that this law isn’t flawless, but it is essential to ensure that there are no gaps,” she stated.
Meta collaborates with Yoti for age verification services. The company asserts on its website that facial images will be destroyed once the verification process concludes.
The ban impacts Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads platforms, as well as others such as Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, X, and YouTube.
Artist’s interpretation of the pack Nanotyrannus assailing a young tyrannosaurus
Anthony Hutchings
Fossils previously thought to belong to a juvenile tyrannosaurus rex have been identified as a fully mature carnivore of a distinct species, resolving a long-standing debate in paleontology.
This controversy originated from a skull unearthed in the Hell Creek Formation in Montana during the 1940s, which was initially identified as gorgosaurus. It was later proposed to be a juvenile tyrannosaurus. In 1988, other researchers posited that the fossil represented an adult of a smaller related species, which they designated Nanotyrannus lansensis.
Since then, a number of additional fossils classified as Nanotyrannus have been discovered, although many paleontologists contend that they are merely tyrannosaurus juveniles.
Now, researchers have examined a complete skeleton for the first time, providing compelling evidence that Nanotyrannus is indeed a separate species.
The skeleton is among a pair of specimens known as “Dueling Dinosaurs,” found by private fossil hunters in 2006, which includes a triceratops and what was initially believed to be a juvenile T. rex buried approximately 67 million years ago.
It was only in 2020, when the fossil came into the possession of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, that paleontologists could conduct a thorough analysis of it.
“Upon receiving the specimen, we recognized it was extraordinary,” remarks Lindsey Zanno from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science. “We had no inkling it would radically alter decades of research concerning the world’s most renowned dinosaur.”
Mr. Zanno collaborated with his colleagues, including James Naples, a postdoctoral researcher at Stony Brook University in New York. She had initially supported the juvenile tyrannosaurus theory but was compelled to reevaluate her stance based on the findings.
“Nanotyrannus displays unique nerve and sinus patterns, a greater number of teeth, larger hands, and shorter tails. These traits remain consistent as the species develops from juvenile to adult,” she notes.
Lindsay Zanno with the proposed Nanotyrannuslansensis skeleton
North Carolina State University
Zanno and Napoli’s examination of the dinosaur’s limb bones confirmed that it was a fully mature specimen, approximately 20 years old, weighing around 700 kilograms and measuring about 5.5 meters in length. “This is roughly one-tenth the weight of an adult human and half the length of a tyrannosaurus,” Zanno explains.
Additionally, Zanno and Napoli reanalyzed 200 tyrannosaur fossils and concluded that another nearly complete skeleton, known as Jane from the Hell Creek Formation, is misclassified as a tyrannosaurid fossil. They propose that Jane is actually a new species within this genus, designated Nanotyrannus letaeus.
“Although we possess only one skeleton of N. Retheus, its anatomy suggests it was part of a larger species,” remarks Zanno. “The configuration of the palatal sinuses and the shape of the bone behind the eye are distinctive.”
Proposed Nanotyrannus lansensis skull features more teeth than the tyrannosaurus skull.
Matt Zeher/North Carolina Museum of Natural Science
Scott Parsons, a researcher at the South Carolina State Museum, asserts that this latest study clarifies the debate surrounding Nanotyrannus being its own genus and species.
“In my opinion, Nanotyrannus was among the most formidable dinosaur predators, and being pursued by one would be quite a terrifying experience,” Parsons remarks, noting its long legs and fearsome thumb claws.
“In essence, we can compare Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus to modern-day cheetahs and lions. While they shared a similar overall anatomy, they had distinct hunting strategies.”
Thomas Carr from Carthage College in Wisconsin has expressed that the new findings are “quite definitive” that the dueling dinosaur specimen represents an almost adult species, one that differs from tyrannosaurus.
Additionally, Holly Ballard from Oklahoma State University, who led the 2020 research, stated that there is “no contention” regarding the team’s conclusion that the fossil belonged to an individual nearing adult size.
However, neither Ballard nor Carr are fully convinced that the other fossil, Jane, constitutes a new species of Nanotyrannus. “Jane is still maturing and large,” emphasizes Ballard, suggesting it may be a new taxon rather than a juvenile tyrannosaurus. “We’re returning to the old debates,” Ballard laments.
“Moreover, in the Hell Creek Formation, if there are numerous small tyrannosaurs in circulation, where are the juvenile tyrannosaurus? ” Kerr questions, stating that it complicates the fossil record. “We simply haven’t uncovered enough tyrannosaurs to fully elucidate what was occurring during the growth phases of the tyrannosaurids in the Hell Creek Formation.”
Dinosaur hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi desert
Embark on an exhilarating and unique expedition to discover dinosaur ruins in the vast wilderness of the Gobi Desert, one of the world’s most renowned paleontology hotspots.
Open AI has severed its relationship with the Technology Council of Australia due to copyright limitations, asserting that its AI models “will be utilized in Australia regardless.”
Chris Lehane, the chief international affairs officer of the company behind ChatGPT, delivered a keynote address at SXSW Sydney on Friday. He discussed the geopolitics surrounding AI, the technological future in Australia, and the ongoing global discourse about employing copyrighted materials for training extensive language models.
Scott Farquhar, CEO of the Tech Council and co-founder of Atlassian, previously remarked that Australia’s copyright laws are “extremely detrimental to companies investing in Australia.”
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In August, it was disclosed that the Productivity Commission was evaluating whether tech companies should receive exemptions from copyright regulations that hinder the mining of text and data for training AI models.
However, when asked about the risk of Australia losing investment in AI development and data centers if it doesn’t relax its fair use copyright laws, Mr. Lehane responded to the audience:
“No…we’re going to Australia regardless.”
Lehane stated that countries typically adopt one of two stances regarding copyright restrictions and AI. One stance aligns with a US-style fair use copyright model, promoting the development of “frontier” (advanced, large-scale) AI; the other maintains traditional copyright positions and restricts the scope of AI.
“We plan to collaborate with both types of countries. We aim to partner with those wanting to develop substantial frontier models and robust ecosystems or those with a more limited AI range,” he expressed. “We are committed to working with them in any context.”
When questioned about Sora 2 (Open AI’s latest video generation model) being launched and monetized before addressing copyright usage, he stated that the technology benefits “everyone.”
“This is the essence of technological evolution: innovations emerge, and society adapts,” he commented. “We are a nonprofit organization, dedicated to creating AI that serves everyone, much like how people accessed libraries for knowledge generations ago.”
AI opened on Friday stopped the ability to produce a video featuring the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. after his family’s complaints about the technology.
Lehane also mentioned that the competition between China and the United States in shaping the future of global AI is “very real” and that their values are fundamentally different.
“We don’t see this as a battle, but rather a competition, with significant stakes involved,” he stated, adding that the U.S.-led frontier model “will be founded on democratic values,” while China’s frontier model is likely to be rooted in authoritarian principles.
“Ultimately, one of the two will emerge as the player that supports the global community,” he added.
When asked if he had confidence in the U.S. maintaining its democratic status, he responded: “As mentioned by others, democracy can be a convoluted process, but the United States has historically shown the ability to navigate this effectively.”
He also stated that the U.S. and its allies, including Australia, need to generate gigawatts of energy weekly to establish the infrastructure necessary for sustaining a “democratic lead” in AI, while Australia has the opportunity to create its own frontier AI.
He emphasized that “Australia holds a very unique position” with a vast AI user base, around 30,000 developers, abundant talent, a quickly expanding renewable energy sector, fiber optic connectivity with Asia, and its status as a Five Eyes nation.
Greetings and welcome to TechScape! After this newsletter goes live, you might find yourself captivated by the wedding snapshots of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, the most glamorous pairing in the tech news sphere this year. I found the event to be both sticky and monumental. Although everyone attended, Charlize Theron wasn’t on the guest list; as I mentioned earlier: “We might be the only ones not invited to Bezos’ wedding, but that’s okay.”
AI Companies Begin to Prevail in Copyright Disputes
Recently, the tech sector achieved multiple victories regarding the usage of copyrighted materials for developing artificial intelligence products.
A noteworthy judgment from a U.S. judge concluded that the creator of human-like chatbots, which trained on books without securing author consent, did not breach copyright regulations. Judge William Allsup equated the act of using human writings to “readers aiming to become writers.”
The following day, a ruling favoring Meta emerged: U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabriain San Francisco concluded that the plaintiff did not provide adequate proof that AI technology from these firms would lead to “market dilution” by inundating it with similar works.
On that same day, while Meta gained a favorable ruling, a group of authors sued Microsoft, accusing the company of copyright infringement linked to its Megatron text generator. Given the rulings favoring Meta and the chatbot sector, authors are facing a challenging uphill battle.
These cases are minor skirmishes in a larger legal struggle surrounding copyrighted media. Just three weeks ago, Disney and NBCUniversal filed a lawsuit against Midi Joanie, claiming its AI image generator and upcoming video tools unlawfully utilized iconic characters like Darth Vader and the Simpsons. Meanwhile, major record labels—Sony, Universal, and Warner—sued AI music generator companies Suno and Udio. Additionally, ongoing cases from The New York Times target OpenAI and Microsoft.
This lawsuit marks the first over AI-generated text. As these rulings unfold, a pressing question arises: will determinations for one form of media extend to another?
John Strand, an IP and copyright attorney at Wolf Greenfield, stated, “The impact of copyrighted works on the market is increasingly vital in fair use analysis, and the book market has unique considerations compared to film.”
For Strand, the scenario concerning images seems to favor copyright holders since AI models are said to generate identical images based on their training data.
Even more startling revelations emerged from the AI verdicts. Companies have allegedly utilized 7 million pirated books to establish their AI training databases. To rectify this, they purchased physical copies, scanned them, and digitized the content. Unfortunately, the original owners of these 7 million physical books, which no longer have practical use, were left with destroyed copies. This operation involved buying the books, chopping them up, scanning their text, and then discarding them. According to ARS Technica, there are very few efficient methods for digitizing books, and they tend to be slow. The AI sector seems geared towards swift and disruptive approaches.
The destruction of millions of books illustrates the intense demand for content that AI companies require for their products.
Two stories I reported last week have seen significant developments shortly thereafter.
The Trump-branded mobile phone, known as “T1,” has replaced its “America” pledge with “proudly America” and “vibrantly in America.” According to Barge.
Trump seems to be mirroring Apple’s strategy. While Apple navigates the manufacturing origin issues, it spotlights the American aspect of the iPhone by branding it as “designed in California.” What’s left unsaid is its assembly in China or India, along with components sourced from various countries. Trump and his family appear to have adopted a similarly ambiguous tagline, although their original commitments seem far more glaring.
The descriptor “American Proud Design” now featured prominently on Trump’s site appears to be an obvious nod to Apple’s branding.
Adhering to the “Made in the USA” label carries real legal implications. Companies face litigation over how many products are genuinely produced within the country, and major U.S. trade regulators have set standards for what constitutes that slogan. However, tracing a smartphone’s manufacturing history to meet these criteria proves to be quite complex, according to many experts.
While Trump aims to bring manufacturing back to America with his steep tariffs, it seems he has learned the lessons that other mobile companies have grappled with. Manufacturing smartphones solely in the U.S. is fraught with complications and limitations, creating significant challenges for the final product.
Catch up on last week’s Gold Trump Phone newsletter.
…and Online Age Verification
Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Last week, I discussed Smatty, a porn platform, returning to France. This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the age verification checks mandated in Texas. Pornhub has blocked access for Texas residents for much of the past two years, protesting much like they did in France for three weeks.
Justice Clarence Thomas summarized the court’s rationale:
“HB 1181 simply requires adults to verify their age before accessing adult explicit materials,” Thomas stated in the majority opinion, which passed with a 6-3 ruling. “This law furthers the state’s significant interest in protecting children from sexually explicit content and appropriately allows users to verify their age using established forms of government-issued identification and shared transaction information.”
Justice Elena Kagan, along with two other liberal justices, voiced their dissent.
The ruling validates Texas laws and laws from nearly 20 other states implementing online age checks. The global climate seems to be shifting away from granting broader access to pornographic content under the guise of free speech rights.
Experts suggest that the flexible definition of obscenity under Texas law necessitates age checks on platforms containing adult-oriented materials.
“Today is disheartening for advocates of an open internet,” remarked GS Hans, a professor at Cornell Law School. “While the courts may not categorize this decision as a landmark ruling in this case, it fundamentally alters free speech jurisprudence and could establish encroachments on adult access by endorsing limitations on minor indecency.
We’ll monitor the situation closely in July when Pornhub intends to implement age checks in line with the Online Services Act.
Read more: A UK survey indicates that 8% of children aged 8 to 14 have encountered online pornography.
Explore More AI News
This Week in AI: WhatsApp Introduces Summary Feature and Nobel-Winning Genome Model
Meta’s WhatsApp now showcases AI-generated summaries of unread messages. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP
This new feature may seem minor, but even slight modifications to the globe’s most used messaging app can create a significant impact. Meta’s WhatsApp now provides AI-generated summaries of unread messages. According to Barge.
Apple previously experimented with message summaries—but that venture didn’t succeed, leading them to retract the feature. For companies known for strategically controlled launches, dropping the summary was quite an embarrassment. The difference here lies in Meta’s consistent track record of releasing AI products over the years.
In more AI-related news, I seldom find new technology captivating, but Google’s DeepMind AI Lab’s recent announcement appears promising for the healthcare sector. The new Alphagenome AI aims to offer comprehensive predictions regarding how a single mutation in human DNA can impact multiple biological processes governing genes. The developers of the Alphagenome previously won the Chemistry Prize for Alphafold, a program known for predicting protein structures.
This innovation raises compelling questions, potentially overtaking CRISPR, the groundbreaking technique regarding changes in humans when their genetic sequences are adjusted. The Alphagenome holds promise in shedding light on this enigmatic issue.
Are teenagers at risk of harm from their smartphones? Experts disagree
Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
Efforts to achieve a scientific agreement concerning the potential risks associated with smartphones and social media among youth have sparked ongoing debates among researchers. This lack of consensus highlights the challenges policymakers face in relying on current evidence to regulate these technologies.
Valerio Capraro from Italy’s University of Milano Bicocca, alongside over 100 colleagues from various disciplines, has launched a “consensus statement” addressing the adverse effects of smartphone usage on teenagers. “Instead of prolonging the debate, we aimed to find common ground among different viewpoints,” Capraro explains.
The team evaluated 26 specific assertions concerning the impact of smartphone use on teens’ mental health. These included concerns that extensive mobile phone use may result in sleep deprivation and behavioral addiction, drawn from the book Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. While this work has significantly shaped discussions surrounding smartphones at New York University, it has also faced substantial criticism. Haidt is a co-author of the statement.
Researchers individually rated their agreement with each assertion and evaluated the robustness of the supporting evidence. Notably, 99% concurred that adolescent mental health has worsened significantly in the US, with similar trends observed in other Western nations. Additionally, 98% acknowledged a strong correlation between heavy smartphone use and sleep disorders. Over 94% identified specific challenges faced by young girls, such as peer comparison, pressure to appear perfect, and exposure to online sexual harassment.
Despite high agreement on these points, experts noted that the evidence merely indicates correlation and not causation. Many believe that further rigorous research, including longitudinal studies tracking smartphone users over time, is necessary to establish causality. In total, over 90% affirmed that there are issues affecting young people, yet only 52% supported implementing policy measures like age restrictions or limitations in schools.
Nevertheless, researchers argue that this does not justify inaction from policymakers. “While obtaining high-quality causal evidence for effective policymaking may take years, decision-makers often need to act quickly in a rapidly evolving landscape with limited data,” they emphasize.
However, scholars not involved in the consensus statement are challenging its findings. It has also drawn backlash over its stance on social media. For instance, Pete Etchells from Bath Spa University in the UK highlighted that out of the 288 invited experts, only approximately 120 engaged in the process. He suggests that those inclined to believe in the negative impact of smartphones are more likely to participate, potentially skewing the results. “I want to clarify the biases present in the expert dataset,” he notes. “I don’t believe this is intentional.”
Etchells, who has also authored a book on the topic, questions the selection process for the invited experts. Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics criticizes the chosen researchers for the consensus. “The extensive list was meant to ensure balance, but it predominantly reflects one side of the debate. If science lacks balance, it loses its integrity,” she argues.
Capraro defended the diversity of the panel, stating that “countless individuals are researching these topics worldwide,” making it impractical to reach out to all of them.
Concerns regarding participation have also arisen from Livingstone’s critiques. “The problem lies in the biased nature of the questions posed. They don’t consider,” she points out, “[whether] social media can enhance mental health, friendships, or a sense of belonging?” Capraro maintains that the study aimed to present as many perspectives as possible on this “highly debated topic.”
Impressions of the artists of Planet K2-18B and its host star
ESA/Hubble, M. Kornmesser
Astronomers claim they have seen the most powerful evidence ever for living on another planet. However, other astronomers are cautioning until the findings are verified by other groups, allowing alternative, nonbiological explanations to be excluded.
“These are the first hints we see about the alien world we probably live in.” Nick Madhusdan We held a press conference at Cambridge University on March 15th.
Astronomers first discovered the Exoplanet K2-18B in 2015, quickly establishing it as a promising place for searching for life. Planets orbiting stars about eight times more than Earth, 124 light years away from us, sit in a habitable zone of stars where liquid water is present. Further observations in 2019 found evidence of water vapor. This led to the suggestion that, although not all astronomers agreed, the planet could be covered in oceans sitting under a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.
In 2023, Madhusudhan and his colleagues used James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) instruments to examine the atmosphere of the near-infrared light K2-18B, again finding evidence of water vapor and methane. However, they also found appetizing hints for dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule that is produced exclusively by organisms on Earth, primarily by marine phytoplankton. However, the signs of DMS were very weak and many The astronomers argued Stronger evidence is needed to be certain about the existence of molecules.
Currently, Madhusudhan and his colleagues use different instruments to observe the K2-18b than the mid-infrared camera JWST. They discovered a much stronger signal against DMS and a molecule that could be called dimethyldisulfide (DMDS).
“What we’re finding is a line of independent evidence in different wavelength ranges with different equipment that can potentially biological activity on the planet,” Madhusdan said.
The team argues that detection of DMS and DMD is at three sigma levels of statistical significance. This corresponds to a 1/100 chance that a pattern of data like this will become absorption. In physics, the standard threshold for accepting something as a true discovery is five sigmas, which corresponds to 1-3.5 million chances that data is a coincidence.
Nicholas Wargan The NASA Ames Research Center in California says the evidence is more convincing than the 2023 results, but it should be verified by other groups. When data is published next week, other researchers can begin to review the findings, but this could take weeks or months as JWST data is difficult to interpret. “It’s not just about downloading data and checking if there’s a DMS. It’s this extremely complicated process,” says Wogan.
Other scientists are more skeptical of the findings. “These new JWST observations do not provide compelling evidence that DMS or DMD exists in the atmosphere of K2-18B.” Ryan McDonald At the University of Michigan. “We have a juvenile chase wolf situation in the K2-18B, where multiple previous 3-sigma detections have completely disappeared when subjected to closer scrutiny.
Madhusudhan and his team estimate that further 16 to 24 hours of further observations at the JWST will help reach 5-sigma levels, but observing the planet’s atmosphere means that this cannot be guaranteed.
“The relative size of the atmosphere compared to the planet’s size is pretty close to the thickness of the apple’s skin on top of the apple, which is what we’re trying to measure.” Thomas Beatty At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I was not part of the learning team. Wogan adds that reaching five sigmas may be fundamentally impossible due to the amount of noise in the data.
But if further observations prove that this is a real discovery, it would be a “risqué progress,” says Beatty. “Ignoring whether it was actually being produced for a moment, I said that ten years ago it is evidence of life in a planetary atmosphere that can certainly host it.”
Madhusudhan and his colleagues calculate that the potential concentration of DMS and DMD in K2-18B appears to be over ten parts, thousands of times more than the concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere. This could show far more biological activity than Earth if the signal turns out to be correct, but establishing that chemicals have biological origins requires more work, he says.
“We need to be very careful,” Madhusdan said. “At this stage, when you detect DMS and DMD, you can’t claim it’s for life. Let’s be very clear about that.
It could take some time to eliminate another mechanism, Wogan says. “This kind of thing hasn’t been studied in practice. In a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, DM doesn’t know tons about it. It requires a lot of work.”
The difficulty in proving that it has no nonbiological explanations is that it could potentially put K2-18B in the category of viable biosignature candidates over a long period of time. Sarah Seager At Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “It could remain in that category for decades, because the problem will not be completely solved by providing limited data deplanets,” she says.
However, Madhusudhan says this discovery is important whether it comes from life or not. “This was a revolutionary moment, and we were able to come from a single cell life, not just as astronomers, but also for our species, from a single cell life billions of years ago, to a highly technological civilization where we could peer into the atmosphere of another planet and find evidence of actual biological activity,” he said.
The Mystery of the Universe: Cheshire, England
Spend a weekend with some of the brightest minds of science. Explore the mystery of the universe in an exciting program that includes an excursion to see the iconic Lovell telescope.
Scientists, lawmakers, and energy executives have warned that President Trump’s “energy control” agenda will be compromised by abrupt cuts in federal agencies reportedly planned by the Trump administration. Pleas from various quarters have inundated the Cabinet Secretary’s inbox urging them to preserve different departments of the agency. A deadline looms for federal officials to present a new plan for significant budget cuts today, with energy and environment-related agencies expected to bear the brunt.
Experts have cautioned that cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior, and the Department of Energy would severely impact efforts to combat climate change. Unfortunately, there seems to be little hope that these concerns will be heeded by Trump administration officials who either deny or disregard the threat of global warming. Instead, the proposed job cuts align with the administration’s priorities, arguing that the cuts jeopardize the expansion of nuclear energy, mineral production, and energy accessibility.
The Department of Energy is expected to face significant losses, particularly in programs like the Clean Energy Demonstration overseeing major projects such as plans to establish seven hydrogen hubs nationwide. Another target is the Loan Program Office, which provides federal funding for clean energy initiatives.
A coalition of energy producers and trade groups representing various sectors like nuclear, data centers, wind and solar energy, and carbon dioxide removal technology expressed concerns that the proposed cuts jeopardize America’s energy and industrial strategies. They highlighted critical projects such as the loan office’s funding for a new nuclear power plant, major lithium mining projects in Nevada, and grid upgrades in Arizona and the Midwest to meet increasing electricity demand from manufacturing.
Additionally, 20 former commissioners and directors of state environmental agencies raised alarm over reports that the EPA intends to eliminate its Scientific Research Division and Research and Development Agency.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has announced plans to slash the agency’s budget and workforce by approximately 65%. State officials criticized these cuts, stating that they would hinder the agency’s ability to conduct essential research and uphold its regulatory responsibilities.
They emphasized the pivotal role of the EPA’s science department in addressing issues like PFA removal from drinking water and developing technologies for cleaning toxins from environmental sites.
Democrats on the House Energy Commerce Committee expressed concern over the impact of what they described as “mass cuts” at the EPA. They warned that targeting professional civil servants would endanger public health and impede the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
Reports indicate that thousands of government employees have already resigned, including personnel from agencies like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The anonymity was requested to disclose details of the resignations that have not been publicly disclosed by the administration.
aAfter three years, over 100 issues, two parental leaves, two AI summits and a cycle of cryptocurrency booms and busts, this will be my last newsletter. It also marks the end of 11 years at The Guardian. My first day was the launch of the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 16 launches on September 9th. It’s been an eventful time.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been asking readers for questions and I’ve been bombarded with them. I apologize if I wasn’t able to answer all of your questions, but I’m so grateful to everyone who asked.
What was the most shocking thing you discovered in the TechScape study/report? – Alexandria Weber
In 2019, I received leaked internal TikTok moderation documents that revealed for the first time that the company had a written, global policy to enforce Chinese foreign policy on its platform. According to the leaks, the company censored videos that mentioned Tiananmen Square, Tibetan independence, and the banned religious group Falun Gong.
TikTok argued that the document was outdated at the time and had been revoked several months ago, replaced with new, more locally sensitive guidelines. As a sign of the direction the company was heading, it was a good sign. But the leak remains grounds for concern to this day that the company may not be all that independent from the Chinese government.
Computer Scientist Ray Kurzweil He says that within 20 years, we will have the ability to replicate the human mind with a computer.including all memories, Their personalities and Consciousness. Do you think this claim is credible? – David
Kurzweil’s “singularity” has been around 20 years into the future for the past 30 years, so I don’t see much reason to attach much importance to his predicted date, but my bigger issue with his predictions is that the order has changed somewhat over the last few years.
The traditional singularity theory holds that computers will continue to get faster and faster until they are finally fast enough to mimic the brain, at which point uploading will become possible. This is because AI will continue to become more and more powerful, eventually AI Solving the problem of uploading human brains.
In that vision of the future, brain uploading will only be possible after a superintelligent AI has already been created and remade the world. That seems like an odd thing to focus on.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at a U.S. Senate hearing. Photo: Brendan Smiarowski/AFP/Getty Images
Do you think Facebook and Google have peaked?and slowly but inevitably slide towards relative insignificance? – Bernie
Never say never. Companies are constantly reinventing themselves. Of course, the tech industry is the best example of this. Apple almost lost its leading position in the 1990s, but has since made a remarkable comeback, from the iMac to the iPhone. Meta and Google are both competing to assume leadership positions in AI, which could once again make them some of the most important companies on the planet.
But I agree with the premise of the question: excitement and attention around technology is shifting, and Google and Meta’s existing businesses are on the downside of that shift. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Google Search will continue to make money for the foreseeable future, but none of them are at the exciting forefront of their industries anymore.
And, of course, it’s hard not to peak when your company is the fourth or sixth largest in the world – there’s only so much room to “rise” further.
Where is the smartphone going from here? How can new smartphone models differentiate themselves from other models? – John Brown
The boring but true answer is that foldable phones will steadily fall in price and improve in quality until hardware design creativity suddenly blossoms again. Samsung has led the way with two approaches: the clamshell-style Flip, popular around the time of the Olympics, and the folio-style Fold. The screen technology is still not perfect—there’s a noticeable bump in the middle of the unfolded phone—and prices range from high to eye-wateringly expensive, but the devices are the only truly novel design the industry has seen in the past decade.
Then, in a year or two, Apple will release a foldable phone and everyone will know it exists.
The atmosphere surrounding technology seems to have changed dramatically over the last five years or so. There seems to be more anxiety about how technology will develop. Society is deteriorating, and few people are optimisticDo you think the industry can overcome it? – Ido Vock
I think the tech industry is in a very similar place to where the finance industry was 15 years ago. It will continue to attract smart, talented people because the work is interesting and the pay is good, but the atmosphere has clearly changed. I don’t think the industry can turn back the clock, but I wonder how much it needs to. Money solves a lot of problems, and it’s better to be rich than to be optimistic.
The real question for me is whether these changes in technology threaten to spill over into widespread skepticism about the whole notion of science and technology improving the world. I hope not. I remain fundamentally optimistic about human progress and think some of the upcoming breakthroughs in areas like health, green energy, and even space flight will be exciting.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Photo: Nintendo
The Greatest Game of All Time (And Why It’s the Best) Soulsborne)? – Chris M
For those unfamiliar, Soulsborne games are a genre created by developer FromSoftware and its director Hidetaka Miyazaki, characterized by a punishing difficulty curve, an indirect narrative structure, and a tone that can be memorably summed up as “a goddamn little man snickering at you from behind a locked door.” I personally have a soft spot for the series’ Bloodborne, which released on PlayStation 4 in 2015, but I’ve just spent 50 hours playing the latest Soulsborne entry, Elden Ring, and it’s fantastic.
But the greatest game of all time is still The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Six years on from the release of the Switch and the console’s defining launch title, nothing has yet surpassed that game, not even its perfect sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. That said, Elden Ring is a great game for adults who feel embarrassed about playing an all-ages title, but it does have a bit of a goth Zelda about it.
If I continue any more I’ll have to co-brand my last newsletter with Pushing Buttons, so I’d like to stop here.
During the time you’ve worked in this role, what’s the best example of where technology has made a real, valuable, positive difference to the world? – Steve Parks
In my professional life, the answer is undoubtedly machine transcription. It’s not flashy, but being able to generate imperfect real-time transcripts from recorded interviews is truly transformative for reporting, speeding up the process of turning an idea into a published news story by hours.
More broadly, I think the rise of machine translation is a similar answer. These tools have improved slowly and steadily over the past 20 years, to the point where a significant portion of humanity is now able to communicate with one another in a basically intelligible way, in near real time. One of the most interesting consequences of this is that, at least in the short term, nothing has actually changed: language ability is still valuable, people still consume content primarily in their own language or that has been professionally translated, and online communities have not consolidated into one giant global conglomerate.
Maybe it will be. Or maybe this science fiction-turned-reality technology will continue to be useful mainly for making my holidays more comfortable and for reading funny Bluesky posts from Japan.
What’s next? Thank you to all 17 readers
After 11 years at The Guardian, I’m not jumping right into another job and will be taking six weeks off. In the meantime, you can keep in touch with me on these unconventional social networks: Blue Sky or Backlog; I don’t plan on returning to writing a weekly newsletter anytime soon, but I do plan to post occasional round-up articles if you’re interested in occasional updates on where I’ve posted articles. My dormant Substack.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many of you TechScape readers over the years, and thank you for reading, emailing, sharing your stories, and continuing to support me. I have some great writers who will be taking over for me.
The basic idea of a warp drive is that rather than directly exceeding the speed of light in a local frame of reference, a “warp bubble” contracts space-time in front of it and expands it behind it, allowing travel over distances faster than the speed of light as measured by a distant observer.
Craft othersWe propose a formalism for the dynamical study of warp drive spacetime and generate the first fully consistent numerical relativistic waveforms for the collapse of a warp drive bubble.
Although warp drive has its origins in science fiction novels, according to Miguel Alcubierre, an astrophysicist at the University of Wales, warp drive is explained in detail in the general theory of relativity. Be the first to propose A space-time metric that supports faster-than-light travel.
Real-world implementation has many practical barriers, such as the need for a special type of material that has negative energy, but computationally, given an equation of state describing the material, it is possible to simulate changes over time.
In a new study, theoretical astrophysicists investigated the signatures that could result from a “containment failure” of a warp drive.
“Warp drives are purely theoretical, but they are clearly described in Einstein's general theory of relativity, and numerical simulations allow us to explore the effects of warp drives on space-time in the form of gravitational waves,” said Dr Katie Clough, researcher at Queen Mary, University of London.
“The results are fascinating: the warp drive collapse produces a unique gravitational wave burst — a ripple in space-time that can be detected by gravitational wave detectors that typically target merging black holes and neutron stars.”
“Unlike chirp signals from merging objects, this signal is a short, high-frequency burst that would be undetectable by current detectors.”
“But there may be higher frequency devices in the future, and although the money hasn't been put into those devices yet, the technology exists to build them.”
“This raises the possibility that we could use these signals to look for evidence of warp drive technology, even if we can't build it ourselves.”
“In our study, the initial shape of spacetime is the warp bubble described by Alcubierre,” said Dr Sebastian Kahn, a researcher at Cardiff University.
“Although we demonstrate that an observable signal could, in principle, be found by future detectors, the speculative nature of this work is not sufficient to drive instrument development.”
The authors also take a detailed look at the energy dynamics of a collapsing warp drive.
In this process, waves of negative energy matter are released, followed by alternating waves of positive and negative energy.
This complex dance results in a net increase in energy throughout the system and, in principle, could provide another signature of collapse if the emission waves interacted with ordinary matter.
“This is a reminder that theoretical ideas can inspire us to explore the universe in new ways,” Dr Clough said.
“I'm skeptical that we'll see anything, but I think it'll be interesting enough to be worth a look.”
“For me, the most important aspect of this work is the novelty of accurately modelling the dynamics of negative energy space-time and the possibility that the technique can be extended to physical situations that could help us better understand the evolution and origin of the universe or processes at the centre of black holes,” said Professor Tim Dietrich of the University of Potsdam.
“While warp speed may still be a long way away, this research is already pushing the boundaries of our understanding of extra-dimensional space-time and gravitational waves.”
“We're going to try different models of warp drive to see how that changes the signal.”
Katie Clough othersThe year is 2024. A phenomenon no one has seen before: gravitational waves caused by warp drive collapse. Open Astrophysics Journal 7;doi:10.33232/001c.121868
It backfired Audible, weekly episodes Slow Burn, Think Twice, Fiasco – Leon Neyfakh has produced several high-quality podcasts in the past. Currently, he is focusing on e-cigarettes and his struggles to quit smoking. These podcasts narrate the journey of finding a cigarette that is less harmful. It’s interesting to note the difference in approach between the UK, where e-cigarettes are promoted as a tool to quit smoking, and the US, where there are efforts to ban flavored e-cigarettes. Hannah Verdier
A better paradise Widely available, with weekly episodes An atmospheric near-future podcast from the creators of Grand Theft Auto. Featuring a talented cast, Andrew Lincoln plays Dr. Mark Tyburn who tries to create an addictive video game but abandons the project halfway. Years later, when he is rediscovered, will the game finally see the light of day? HV
Leon Neyfakh’s “Backfired” explores the rise of e-cigarettes. Photo: Nicholas T Ansell/PA
Because the boss is ours Widely available, with weekly episodes Bruce Springsteen may not be the first person you think of when it comes to queer pop idols, but hosts Jesse Lawson and Holly Cascio, “two queer nerds” who are fans of the Boss, delve into this fun and insightful podcast to explore Springsteen’s status as a queer icon. Holly Richardson
Pulling the Thread: Wild Life Widely available, with weekly episodes This captivating series from Drake’s production company follows investigative journalist Lunako Serena and the spy known as “Wolf” as they uncover the truth about Africa’s largest wildlife trafficking ring. The journey takes them from an environmental conference in The Shard in London to infiltrating criminal networks involved in the ivory trade in Uganda. Alexi Duggins
Festival Hall Widely available, with weekly episodes A new series from the creators of the confessional-based X Account, featuring a range of content from ranking secrets of the week to insightful interviews with Philippa Perry about the psychology behind anonymous sharing of secrets. advertisement
There is a podcast
Afua Hirsch, host of “We Need to Talk About the British Empire.” Photo: Suki Dhanda/Observer
this week, Rachel Aroesti Pick the top 5 PodcastsUnited KingdomFrom Armando Iannucci’s irreverent take on Westminster to Afua Hirsch’s reflections on the complex legacy of the British Empire London Grad London is clearly a cosmopolitan city, but there are moments in this darkly fascinating podcast from Tortoise Media’s Paul Caruana Galizia that make you wonder which country has the most influence over our capital. The first series of the show focused on Russian money flowing into London through real estate and, in the case of the Lebedev family, the purchasing power of its ultra-rich investors in multiple newspapers, while in series two the focus shifted to Iran and the government-mandated “death squads” that have repeatedly attempted to assassinate London-based critics of the regime on British soil.
We need to talk about the British Empire Afua Hirsch’s 2018 book, Brit(ish), is both a deeply personal memoir and an insightful analysis of British history, making it essential reading for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of black history and politics in the country. In this podcast series, the author broadens the perspective even further, using her guests’ personal stories to illuminate the legacy of colonialism from different angles. Anita Rani offers insight into Partition, the late Benjamin Zephaniah talks about the Windrush, Diana Rigg talks about growing up at the end of the British colonial era, and musician Emma Lee Moss (formerly Emmy the Great) reminisces about her childhood in Hong Kong under British rule.
Rethinking Westminster Armando Iannucci is one of Britain’s leading satirists, and he’s spent his career lampooning the country’s follies and weaknesses, from the chaos of government with The Thick of It to the banality of mid-level broadcasting via Alan Partridge. In this podcast series for the New Statesman, he and the magazine’s UK editor Anoush Chakerian (who also hosts the magazine’s flagship podcast) take a slightly less-than-modest look at Britain’s most pressing political issues. Topics range from Britain’s “ramshackle” constitution and the old, machismo energy of party politics to the shortcomings of lobby journalism and the deterioration of our supposedly special relationship with the US.
Northern News Edinburgh Award-nominated stand-up comedians Ian Smith and Amy Gledhill are northerners who moved to London but are still keen to hear news from their home town – Gledhill is originally from Hull, Smith from nearby Goole. For Northern News, the pair combine easy-going chatter with local newspaper readings, focusing on the weirdest, most ridiculous and sentimental news they can find. They also host a host of guest comedians who share their own quirky local anecdotes.
The rise and fall of Britpop The story of Britpop is much more than the tabloid-shattering rivalry between Oasis and Blur. It’s a story that has much to say about the traditions and history of British pop culture from the 1960s to the present day. Steve Lamacq and Joe Whiley, co-hosts of Radio 1’s hip show The Evening Sessions when the scene first took off 30 years ago, are perfectly suited to tell the tale. With help from guests including Stuart McOnie and Alex James, the pair take a trip down memory lane to trace Britpop’s journey from an unpopular alternative to trendy US grunge to a cultural force that redefined our national identity.
Please try…
Alexander Skarsgård’s new pod explores startups taking innovative approaches to environmental and social issues How to solve this.
From remote work to immigration, The Atlantic Good on Paper It raises the big questions behind the inevitable topics.
If you’d like to read the full newsletter, sign up to receive Hear Here in your inbox every Thursday.
Climate change protester Risipriya Kangujam takes the stage during the COP28 debate on December 11th
Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Image
The COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has gone into extra time, with a real possibility that negotiations will fail given how far countries are separated on the future of oil, gas, and coal. It has become a target. But whatever the outcome, this summit changed the way the world talks about fossil fuels and climate change.
“The calculations are being made for fossil fuels,” he says. David Waskow at the World Resources Institute, an environmental nonprofit organization. “This has put the issue front and center and changed the conversation around it, and I hope that will continue to be the case.”
At the summit, and in the months leading up to it, many countries and many civil society organizations lobbied for strong language on phasing out fossil fuels in any deal reached in Dubai. The phasing out of fossil fuels received unexpected attention near the end of last year’s COP27 summit in Egypt, but the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change as a major source of greenhouse gas emissions has never been more important. There has never been a COP with such continuous focus.
“Even a year ago, the historic debate on phasing out fossil fuels currently taking place at COP28 was completely unthinkable,” he says. Jonas Kuehl At the International Institute for Sustainable Development, Canada. “The joint efforts of nearly 130 countries and civil society forced them into a process that has been fruitless for many years.”
The draft core agreement, published on December 11, drew heavy criticism from a number of countries and organizations yesterday for not mentioning the phasing out of fossil fuels. However, the draft does mention the need to reduce the production and use of fossil fuels and makes two other references to these fuels. This alone represents a significant change from past summits, which referred to emissions but not major sources.
“This is the first COP to actually include the word fossil fuels in a draft decision,” he said. Mohamed Addo At Powershift Africa, a Kenyan energy think tank. “This is the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.”
Summit participants are fundamentally divided on what should be included in the agreement. High-income Western countries, as well as small island states and some low-income countries such as Colombia and Kenya, are demanding stronger language on ending the use of fossil fuels to be part of the agreement. We are united. But countries that rely on oil and gas revenues, and those that consider fossil fuel development essential to future development, oppose disqualifying language.
“The United States, Canada, and Australia are all fossil fuel producers, but they are all perfectly aligned with European countries,” he says. Andrew Deutz At the Nature Conservancy. “This puts even more pressure on fossil fuel producing countries.”
Countries that oppose language phasing do so for a variety of reasons. For example, the Group of African States, while not totally opposed to such an agreement, recognizes that any agreement would have different responsibilities and timelines for phase-out, and that it is important for countries to implement energy transitions. It claims to provide support to do so.
“Asking Africa to phase out fossil fuels is like asking Africa to stop breathing without life support,” Nigeria’s Environment Minister Isiak Kunle Salako said at a press conference at the summit on December 12. African ministers also emphasized the need for further support. This is to adapt to the climate change that is already occurring.
Nigeria is part of a group of oil-exporting countries called OPEC, and its members, especially Saudi Arabia, have been the strongest opponents of the phase-out. But the overwhelming focus on fossil fuels means it may not matter in the long run.
“I think because of the pressure from oil and gas interests, if we don’t agree to phase out fossil fuels here, it’s likely to be a pyrrhic victory for them,” he said. bill hare At the think tank Climate Analytics. “They would have kept it going, but they wouldn’t have stopped it.”
A complete failure at COP28 could help build momentum towards an unjust end to the fossil fuel era, Hare says. “Next year we’ll probably see more countries wanting to phase out fossil fuels, more countries thinking about it more and putting more pressure on oil and gas producers.”
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