Your Undivided Attention The Crisis That United Humanity—and Why It Matters for AI
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Sep 11, 2025 Susan Solomon, an esteemed MIT environmental scientist known for her pivotal research on the ozone hole and a Nobel laureate, shares her insights on global collaboration. She recounts the remarkable unification of nations during the 1985 crisis that led to the Montreal Protocol, emphasizing how collective action can effectively tackle dire problems. Solomon draws parallels between this historic achievement and the contemporary challenges posed by AI, advocating for transparent communication and proactive governance to safeguard our future.
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Firsthand Discovery In Antarctica
- Susan Solomon describes being among the first scientists in Antarctica trying to understand the unexpected ozone hole.
- She recounts the shock of 50% ozone losses and fearing the discovery would be ignored.
Why Ozone Loss Matters
- The ozone layer protects life from ultraviolet radiation, and large depletion threatens humans, animals, and crops.
- Without an ozone layer, life on Earth's surface would be impossible.
Spray Cans Drove The Problem
- Susan explains CFCs were mainly used as propellants in spray cans for consumer products like hairspray and deodorant.
- She notes the U.S. public switched to stick deodorants, showing simple consumer shifts can matter.
