· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Financial Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: A debate is emerging in the scientific world regarding the role of research as both a contributor to climate change and crucial to tackling it
• On one side, scientists are proposing scaling back research to reduce carbon emissions, due to concerns about the energy-intensive nature of scientific activities
• Yet, many scientists also highlight the crucial role played by science
🔭 The context: Despite its high energy demand, scientific research has historically proven to be crucial for monitoring and combating the effects of climate change
• Innovations like the Millennium Technology Prize and sustainable projects like Finland's LUMI supercomputer highlight the balance between research and environmental responsibility
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The dilemma of scientific research's energy consumption versus its critical function in environmental analysis highlights a key global challenge
• Maintaining a balance between developing sustainable technologies and methods for energy efficiency in research while minimizing ecological footprints will be vital for mitigation strategies
⏭️ What's next: The focus on sustainable computing will be a major theme at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos
💬 One quote: "Science can help us find an equilibrium — to find hope." (Minna Palmroth, University of Helsinki)
📈 One stat: Data centers consume about 1% of global electricity
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