Latest Stories from Jamie
Russia’s invasion could hinder a global lithium drive
Prior to Russia’s invasion, Ukraine had been drawing attention from the likes of China and Australia for its vast untapped lithium reserves. Potentially crucial to achieving our clean energy transitions, this sustainable battery drive could begin to peter out. Eastern Europe was tipped to lead the global lithium drive, but it appears foreign nations will have to source their clean energy transitions elsewhere. Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, had been positioning...
TikTok suspends video uploads & livestreaming in Russia
If social media platforms spread ‘false information’ about the Russian military, Putin’s newly passed ‘fake news’ law threatens fines and lengthy prison sentences. TikTok has responded by suspending all new video uploads throughout the region. The standoff between Big Tech and Russia is becoming more involved by the week. A widespread social media embargo to prevent the Kremlin state from pushing propaganda or profiting from ad space – involving YouTube...
UN agrees landmark global treaty to end plastic waste
The UN Environmental Assembly has approved a resolution to create the world’s first global plastic pollution treaty by 2024. Described as the ‘most significant green deal’ since the Paris accord of 2015, 175 nations have reportedly opted in. There are a few inevitabilities in modern life; death, taxes, and mountains upon mountains of single-use plastic waste. For the first time this century, however, there’s genuine hope to create a world in...
Facebook’s new ad regulations freeze out climate groups
In its efforts to limit online abuse, Facebook removed ‘sensitive’ categories from its Detailed Targeting advertising tool. Climate groups now say the new policy is limiting their ability to connect with audiences.
Has Facebook ever been on good terms with climate groups at this point?
Last month, Facebook decided to escalate its response against online abuse by re-evaluating its policies on targeted ads. Previously, its tools had been used to
Big Tech goes up against Russian state media
Google, Meta, and Twitter are blocking Kremlin owned channels from selling ads and pushing propaganda as part of ongoing sanctions against Russia. It’s been four days since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, and Big Tech is starting to respond. Sanctions against Russia from EU nations and members of NATO continue to come to light, and self-governed social media websites are now making their respective stances clear. Something of a joint digital...
Bitcoin miners are reviving dying coal plants in the US
As the US strives to decarbonise the energy industry, Bitcoin miners are becoming a thorn in its side. The enormous electricity consumption needed to sustain crypto is now fuelling a partial resurrection of coal. Coal is no longer fashionable, but Bitcoin definitely is. The two, unfortunately, are now becoming intrinsically linked. As investment throughout the energy sector transitions to renewables, the shutters are being pulled down on coal plants throughout the...
Warner music and BlackRock invest $750m in female & diverse artists
While aging arena-rock artists continue to cash in on their back catalogues, Warner Music Group, Black Rock, and Influence Media are looking to support relevant and burgeoning talent. $750m has been committed specifically to female and diverse musicians creating now. Surely, there are only so many limited-edition vinyls you can release for albums dropped in the 80s before their appeal is well and truly dead? Though good luck telling that...
COVID-19 vaccine factories to pop up in developing countries
In a bid to address vaccine nationalism, pop-up vaccine factories resembling shipping containers are set to appear in developing countries. If you’ve forgotten about the vaccine rush that happened back in 2020, you’re probably living in a nation that hoarded a bunch of the supply. While many of us are looking to have, or already have had our booster shot for the year, there are millions who’ve yet to receive...
Unlocking this trophy in Horizon Forbidden West will plant an actual tree
As Horizon Forbidden West players fight to save the planet from a rogue terraforming system, they will also simultaneously help the planet in real life. Every time the trophy ‘Reached the Daunt’ is unlocked, Sony will plant a tree. The widely anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games’ flagship title is now right on the horizon… thank you, I’m here all week. With rave reviews across the board, Horizon Forbidden West will see...
YouTube is working on a dedicated NFT marketplace
YouTube has finally jumped on the NFT bandwagon, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan. Could this open up a fresh and lucrative avenue for creator monetisation on the platform? If you’re sick of seeing ‘Bored Ape’ PNGs plastered all over social media, you’ll have to grit your teeth and bear it for a while yet. Finally hopping aboard the digital cash cow that is NFTs, YouTube has announced that the...
