AI’s explosive growth in 2026 is setting off alarm bells. Behind the impressive façade of innovation lies a labyrinth of ecological, economic, and social threats. From skyrocketing energy use to deepening inequality and a looming investment bubble, the AI boom could destabilize society rather than improve it.
Despite record growth in renewable electricity, the world risks missing the path to net zero — with significant consequences for the climate, the economy, and energy security.
Agribusinesses make hundreds of decisions every season: when, where, and how much to water, fertilize, spray with pesticides, and so on and so forth. Each choice affects yields, input costs, and long-term soil health. Without clear data, many of these decisions rely on habit, guesswork, or outdated patterns. That’s a risk modern farming can’t afford.
What is striking is that nowhere – neither among politicians nor among scientists – is the emergency bell being sounded. No one is sounding the alarm. There is general astonishment about what is going on, and specialists reluctantly admit that climate change has been underestimated in many aspects, but no one is currently suggesting (or demanding) an emergency brake on fossil fuel use.
Green growth is a popular concept to counter the threat of ecological collapse. It soothes people’s minds and suggests there is an easy way out. But it is based on the wrong premises. More so, it’s a mere frame to help sustain the economy that caused our present problems in the first place, and that is bound to fail.
Urban inequality has long been a defining feature of human civilization, the distribution of wealth and resources within cities. Recent findings underscore the persistent nature of inequality, revealing that disparities in wealth have been intrinsic to urban life since ancient times. These insights provide valuable lessons for contemporary urban development and policy planning.
Tipping points are a frequently quoted tool for social change and climate protection among activists and supporters. The idea that it takes 25% of supporters of a plan to create change is popular. But does this conclusion hold up under the pressure of social media?
Discoveries and developments during 2024, like SAF, EGS might have set the course for more sustainability and effective climate mitigation efforts over the coming years.
Urban farming, urban agriculture or urban ag as it is sometimes called, is about growing food in cities. It is about local people growing their own, often organic crops on rooftops and in neighborhood gardens, providing easy access to fresh, local food.
Electric and hybrid cars create more carbon emissions during their production than standard vehicles. That reduces their short term climate advantage.