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London Futurists

The best of times and the worst of times, updated, with Ramez Naam

Mar 26, 2025
Ramez Naam, a climate tech investor and award-winning author, shares insights on today's dual realities of prosperity and peril. He discusses significant advancements in clean energy technologies and the urgent climate challenges that remain. Ramez emphasizes the role of governance in navigating these issues. The conversation also covers innovative solutions like geoengineering and the complex landscape of AI's societal impact, as well as the intertwined fate of democracy and technology amid growing fears and inequalities.
45:07

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • The current era showcases both unprecedented technological advancements enabling comfort and significant environmental challenges that require urgent attention.
  • While innovations like geoengineering could offer temporary climate relief, ethical implications and thorough risk assessments are necessary for responsible implementation.

Deep dives

The Duality of Our Current Era

The present era is characterized by both unprecedented wealth and significant global risks, likened to a 'tale of two Earths.' While advancements in technology have provided comfort and progress, the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation loom large. This juxtaposition invites a reconsideration of the power of ideas and technology to create a better future. Emphasizing the need for responsible and directed technological innovation is essential to navigate these complexities.

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