Pollution

When considering technology, many envision futuristic concepts like advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and interplanetary travel. However, technology encompasses something far more profound—it represents our capacity to thoughtfully shape the world around us. Through this broader lens, we can recognize cities themselves as remarkable technological achievements that deserve greater appreciation. Current AI-generated cityscapes reveal our evolving imagination of urban futures, though the visual inconsistencies remind us of the limitations in our present technological capabilities.

If you pay much attention to the mainstream media, you’ve likely heard the phrase “energy transition” thrown around, which alludes to an ongoing global effort to transition away from fossil fuels and move toward so-called “green” energy sources1. As much airtime as this catch-phrase gets, there’s little evidence to support any transition2.

The Collective Fabric: Our Mutual Interdependence # The phrase “we live in a society” has become something of an internet meme, but beneath this casual observation lies a profound truth about human existence. We fundamentally exist within intricate networks of mutual interdependence—communities where our individual choices ripple outward, affecting countless others in ways both visible and invisible. This interconnectedness suggests an implicit responsibility: as participants in these collective systems, our contributions shape the shared environment we all inhabit.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai Transportation in Transition # If you happen to know me personally, you’re probably familiar with my perspective on urban transportation, and perhaps even tired of hearing about it. I follow communities like r/fuckcars and enjoy YouTube channels such as “Not Just Bikes” and “Climate Town.”

Policy Discussions and Environmental Awareness # I watched yesterday’s budget committee meeting at the US senate (which you can find here). While the pace of political change can feel frustratingly slow, there are growing signs of awareness about the environmental challenges we face and the need for meaningful action.

While recycling is important, it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Many people focus primarily on recycling without considering the even more impactful steps we can take to reduce our environmental footprint. Mountain of trash generated by my apartment building. Where does it go? No one knows.