Solar Geoengineering Concerns and AI in Therapy Ethics

This edition of The Download addresses critical issues in climate intervention and AI ethics, focusing on the growing concerns surrounding solar geoengineering and the ethical implications of therapists using AI tools like ChatGPT.

Solar Geoengineering: Risks and Public Trust

Scientists David Keith and Daniele Visioni have expressed alarm over the increasing involvement of private companies in solar geoengineering. These companies, such as Stardust, are developing climate-altering systems, raising questions about the validity of their technical claims and the potential risks to public trust and scientific integrity. Stardust, an American-Israeli company, recently secured $60 million in funding to deploy its system by the early 2030s.

The Simpsons: Predictions or Coincidences?

Al Jean, the long-time showrunner of 'The Simpsons,' discusses the show's reputation for predicting future events. From Donald Trump's presidency to a pandemic resembling COVID-19, the show has seemingly foreshadowed numerous real-world occurrences, fueling conspiracy theories and intrigue.

AI in Therapy: Ethical Dilemmas

Reports indicate that some therapists are using AI tools like ChatGPT to analyze and respond to clients, often without their knowledge. This practice raises serious ethical concerns about client privacy and the erosion of trust in therapeutic relationships. Declan, a therapy patient, discovered his therapist was using ChatGPT after a screensharing mishap.

Must-Reads

Amazon sues Perplexity over Comet AI agent.
Trump renominates Jared Isaacman to lead NASA.
Homeland Security releases facial recognition app for police.
Scientific journals overwhelmed by AI-written submissions.
AI boom benefits equipment manufacturers.
Chronic kidney disease linked to climate change.
Brazil proposes fund to protect tropical forests.
New York creates citywide digital map.
Internet at risk of catastrophic collapse.
Chinese spacecraft hit by space junk.

Quote of the Day

"I am not sure how I earned the trust of so many, but I will do everything I can to live up to those expectations." - Jared Isaacman

The Digital Dollar: Is It Dead?

The concept of a digital dollar has faced political challenges and skepticism, casting doubt on its future viability. The Boston Fed quietly ceased working on its CBDC project late last year.

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