Ask HN: Climate Apoc Inbound/Emergency – Y Spend Resources on “Better AI” & Ads?
Why?
My best understanding and prediction of humanity's approaching likely-future (and within our own remaining lifetimes) is one dominated by the unbounded-so-far carbon emissions crisis. Of climate shifts which cause more frequent extreme, weather. Agricultural yield drops, world-wide. More resource scarcity and conflict in general. Climate refugees in mass waves. And possibly more war and democratic decay (or outright collapse) as a terrible bonus on top.
And yet... one can't go a day online -- reading socmedia sites like Hacker News -- about the latest (frankly) shallow AI "innovation" or big VC investment around it.
Priorities, people?
Disclaimer: I myself am trying to contribute (in however small a way) by making new education software focused on teaching about climate & democracy dangers, and trying to influence more to take (sustained, and possibly radical) action with utmost urgency.
As programmers I know we can't simply "write code" to reduce carbon emissions (or extract them back out of the atmosphere.)
I know we can't simply "write code" to reduce pollution or toxins in our food and water supplies, or in our ecosystems.
Or... can we?
Why aren't "we" collectively doing more, as a profession and industry?
Why aren't you?
Because the stakes seem IMMENSE. And we don't have a "save game" file to restore back to in the blink-of-an-eye. Set aside Zelda for a moment, my fellows.
thoughts? reactions? insights? personal takes? plans?