Our Uncertain Future Archives

The World is in Crisis

Over dinner last week, I was asked to give a sweeping overview as to why the planet is in crisis. As I was talking, I realised I am yet to amalgamate that same information for my subscribers in one post. So, here goes. Energy Every living thing requires access to an energy surplus to survive.

Do the Math

Using physics and estimation to assess energy, growth, options—by Tom Murphy https://youtu.be/sPrBmM5qJGk MM #18: What Can I Do? This is the final installment in the Metastatic Modernity video series (see launch announcement), putting the meta-crisis in perspective as a cancerous disease afflicting humanity and the greater community of life on Earth. We have arrived at the part where people

New research shines a light on how solar power and farming can coexist

Scientists from Swansea University have developed a new tool to help identify optimal photovoltaic (PV) materials capable of maximizing crop growth while generating solar power. In a recent study published in Solar RRL, academics from the University's Department of Physics have been exploring the effect of semi-transparent PV materials placed over crops – an

Food or solar? Farmers divided over land use

Should rural land be used to produce food or energy? It is a question that divides farmers nationwide, and is being debated on the Somerset Levels. On ancient grazing pastures steel and silicon solar panels are being installed, taking thousands of acres of farmland out of food production. Across the country, the new Energy Security

The Destiny of Civilization

We live in dangerous times. Everything seems to be out of normal: stagnating economies, inflation, wars and an unfolding ecological and climate disaster. This is clearly not how things ought to be… While many just wave a hand and say, we will get over it, an increasing number of people feel — almost instinctively — that there is something

#279: The fiascos of denied decline

THE BRITISH ECONOMIC TRAP – A SEEDS ANALYSIS As others have noted, there’s been something almost surreal about the opening phases of the British general election campaign. Premier Rishi Sunak, firing the starting-gun for the 4th July contest outside 10 Downing Street, had no umbrella to ward off a torrential downpour of rain. If the public

Government issues emergency preparation advice: what do you need in your kit?

The Government has given emergency preparation advice against pandemic-style panic buying after encouraging Britons on a new website to have three days’ worth of tinned food and water. The site Prepare went live on Wednesday (May 22) with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden advising people how to prepare for flooding, power outages, another pandemic,

A Story of Mice (and Men)

Picture a natural prairie, boasting an explosive diversity of grasses and flowers. Every year, at different times of the year, the grasses and flowers produce seeds. Some of these seeds, naturally, propagate their respective species so that the grasses and flowers will survive into the next year and the next. But the plants are

Dodging The Gator – What Can Be Done?

Humanity is in overshoot, and a major correction is already underway, something, which will only accelerate even further. A runaway energy crisis, together with resource depletion, climate change and ecosystems collapse will upend centuries of growth and prosperity. But what does that mean on an individual level? Is there any way to course correct?

How climate change will transform London: a guide to the city in 10, 50 and 100 years

From flooding, drought and disease to total societal upheaval, Robbie Griffiths investigates the grim future that awaits our capital if climate change and global warming is allowed to continue. One summer day two years ago, a compost heap in Wennington, East London, spontaneously caught fire. It was July 19, 2022, the hottest day since British

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