Economy
In the United Kingdom, concerns about a potential copper shortage are prompting efforts to recycle unused electrical items. A study indicates that approximately 823 million unused or broken tech items, including 627 million cables, are stored in UK households. These items reportedly contain around 38,449 tonnes of copper, which could supply 30% of the copper needed for the UK’s transition to a decarbonized electricity grid by 2030. The demand for copper is driven by sustainable energy projects and electric vehicles, with mining posing environmental and social challenges. Organizations like Recycle Your Electricals are advocating for “urban mining” to recover valuable materials from discarded electronics. The Royal Society of Chemistry highlights the strategic importance of copper in achieving a greener future and urges coordinated government action to address supply risks.
US Politics
A recent piece by James Howard Kunstler critiques the current political climate, focusing on Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party. Kunstler suggests that Clinton’s recent actions reflect an attempt to maintain control amid potential electoral defeat. He criticizes the party’s handling of various crises and speculates on actions that might be taken against Donald Trump. Kunstler also discusses themes of political corruption and the erosion of free speech, warning of potential military actions in the Middle East. His critique highlights the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates a complex political landscape.
In San Francisco, the city has intensified its enforcement against homeless encampments, resulting in an increase in arrests. Since August 1st, 215 homeless individuals have been arrested for illegal lodging as the city enforces anti-camping laws. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to clear encampments, with pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom to address the issue. Critics argue that the city’s approach does not address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health and addiction. Mayor London Breed’s actions are in line with similar trends in other cities, but the long-term effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.
Energy & AI
In the energy sector, tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are exploring nuclear power to meet the energy demands of their data centers. Google is collaborating with utilities to evaluate nuclear power’s viability, following Microsoft’s partnership with Constellation Energy to restart the Three Mile Island plant and Amazon’s acquisition of a data center campus linked to the Susquehanna nuclear station. This shift towards nuclear energy is part of a broader strategy to support the AI industry’s growth, which requires substantial and reliable power. In Texas, the Public Utility Commission is urging tech companies to build their own power plants to prevent resource strain on the grid. This focus on energy infrastructure is part of a larger investment trend, suggesting potential returns for those investing in the infrastructure needed to power AI technologies.
Relatedly, AI systems now have capabilities such as using Wi-Fi signals to map and monitor spaces, effectively turning routers into tools that can detect movement through walls. This technology has applications in security and personal monitoring but raises concerns about privacy and surveillance. The integration of AI with wireless technologies like 5G allows for continuous tracking, leading to fears of compromised personal freedom. LiDAR technology complements these capabilities by providing detailed geographic data, enabling comprehensive digital models of environments. As AI technology evolves, society faces challenges in balancing innovation with ethical considerations.
Sources
Britons Encouraged to ‘Urban Mine’ Old Tech to Combat Copper Crunch
We need to start ‘urban mining’ and help protect the planet and nature from the harmful impacts of mining for raw materials and instead value and use what we have already.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
The All-Seeing Eye: How AI and Wi-Fi Are Turning Our Homes Into Surveillance Hubs
The technology is able to observe you unconditionally and with better quality resolution than a camera.
Source | Submitted by NoMoMrNiceGuy
San Francisco’s Tentless Tenderloin: Homeless Arrests Surge Amid Sweeps
San Francisco’s crackdown on homeless encampments has seen arrests of unhoused people skyrocket as the lowest tent count in months was recorded in the Tenderloin.
Source | Submitted by Wojciech Grabiec
Hillary’s Book Tour: A Hurricane of Chaos and Political Desperation
We lose total control. . . ?
Source | Submitted by sand_kitty
Google Explores Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Data Center Expansion
Google, is working with utilities in the US and other countries to assess nuclear power as a possible energy source for its data centers, underscoring surging interest in using atomic energy to feed the artificial intelligence boom.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon