After years of legwork, Harvard researchers canceled plans to test a controversial theory for cooling the planet by sending sunlight-reflecting particles up into the atmosphere. Now, members of an independent advisory committee tasked with addressing ethics and safety concerns are sharing what they learned from the ill-fated project.
Technology
A controversial experiment to artificially cool Earth was canceled — what we know about why
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25569760/1973132220.jpg "A controversial experiment to artificially cool Earth was canceled — what we know about why")
A policy analysis published in the journal Science on Friday highlights how important it is to talk to people on the ground before launching an experiment, especially one tied to potentially planet-altering consequences. The paper echoes recent calls to get policies in place to protect against any unintended side effects.
Until pretty recently, the thought of reflecting sunlight back into space to combat global warming — a process called solar geoengineering — seemed to be firmly rooted in science fiction. But with the climate crisis worsening, the idea has started to move from the fringes of academic research to garner more serious debate.
“Public engagement is necessary”
Some researchers and their Silicon Valley backers want to put the theory to the test. And time is running out to establish rules for how to craft those experiments responsibly, which could help determine whether solar geoengineering will do more harm than good.
“One of the core messages that comes out of this is that public engagement is necessary even when you don’t think that the impact of the experiment is going to be felt in a real way, in a concrete way, in real time. This issue has such a long tail, and it has such deeper meaning for so many people,” says Sikina Jinnah, lead author of the Science policy analysis and a professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Harvard researchers launched the project called SCoPEx — short for Stratospheric Controlled Perturbation Experiment — back in 2017. To better understand any potential risks or benefits associated with solar geoengineering, it planned to conduct the first-ever outdoor experiment using reflective particles. It would have released some of those aerosols into the stratosphere via balloon and then piloted the balloon back through the plume to take measurements. The aim was to observe how the particles interact with each other and other elements of that environment — resulting in data that could be used to make more accurate computer models.
That never happened. There was supposed to be an engineering test flight without any particle release in Sweden in 2021, but it was scrapped after facing strong opposition from local Indigenous leaders. A big point of contention was that the researchers didn’t initially reach out to the Saami Council, which represents Saami Indigenous peoples’ organizations in the region. Members of SCoPEx’s advisory committee didn’t agree on whether to consult with the Saami since the test flight wasn’t going to release anything into the atmosphere, according to the policy analysis. The majority wound up deciding that the test flight could go ahead if there weren’t any significant environmental concerns to flag.
The Saami Council caught wind of the plans anyway and wrote a strongly worded letter to the advisory committee demanding the researchers cancel the flight. They said it was “remarkable” that the test flight would take place without consulting the Saami people or other local stakeholders, given the controversies swirling around solar geoengineering. Local environmental advocates, including Swedish chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, also signed the letter.
Solar geoengineering is still considered a “false solution” to climate change by many activists. Injecting particles in the atmosphere attempts to recreate the way erupting volcanoes can temporarily cool the planet by releasing sulfur dioxide. But sulfur dioxide might also lead to acid rain, worsen the Antarctic ozone hole, or have other unforeseen consequences. There are also fears that solar geoengineering could detract from efforts to transition to clean energy, or lead to a dangerous swing in global temperatures if it’s ever implemented and then abruptly stopped.
“We note that [solar geoengineering using reflective particles] is a technology that entails risks of catastrophic consequences … There are therefore no acceptable reasons for allowing the SCoPEx project to be conducted either in Sweden or elsewhere,” the Saami Council letter says.
The advisory committee ultimately recommended canceling the test flight in Sweden after receiving that letter. By 2023, Harvard had told the advisory committee that it had “suspended” the project and then canceled it altogether in March of this year. The project “struggled both with intense media attention and with how to address calls from the scientific advisory committee to broadly and formally engage with the public,” Nature reported at the time, citing one of its project leaders.
“I’m grateful for the SCoPEx Advisory Committee’s insights. Their thoughtful analysis is valuable to the scientific community as it considers important questions of governance,” Frank Keutsch, who was the principal investigator for SCoPEx, tells The Verge in an email. He didn’t elaborate more on why the project ended.
It’ll take more than an ad hoc committee to effectively oversee geoengineering research moving forward, according to the newly published policy analysis. “The time is ripe for governments to begin discussing coordination of research governance,” it says.
Those talks have already started at the European Commission and the United Nations Environment Assembly, although they haven’t led to any concrete new policies yet. There has been a moratorium on large-scale geoengineering since a United Nations biodiversity conference in 2010, but it excludes small-scale scientific research.
And small fly-by-night initiatives have become a bigger concern lately. Last year, the founders of one geoengineering startup grilled fungicide in a California parking lot to produce sulfur dioxide gas that they then attempted to launch into the atmosphere via weather balloons. That followed a similar balloon launch in Mexico that prompted the government there to bar solar geoengineering experiments. The policy analysis calls the startup’s efforts “irresponsible” and “not tied to any legitimate scientific pursuit.”
Since then, there have been calls to either lay down rules for how to regulate future experiments or to stop solar geoengineering altogether. But without broader policies in place, keeping up with new geoengineering efforts gets to be a bit like playing whack-a-mole around the world.
Those policies could also ensure that nearby communities get to have a say in projects that might affect them. And as we’ve learned with SCoPEx, even more studious efforts can skip that step to their own detriment.
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Electric unicycles are sparking a heated debate: Are they sidewalk terrors or misunderstood machines? While electric scooters have already raised concerns about safety and public nuisance, electric unicycles seem to take these issues to a whole new level. With their challenging control, these devices appear to be accidents waiting to happen.
Would you feel safe sharing a sidewalk with one of these? On the road, the risks multiply as riders struggle to maintain balance and visibility in traffic. As this trend gains traction, the question remains: are we looking at a new wave of personal transportation that puts the public at risk?
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People riding electric unicycles (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The rise of electric unicycles
Electric unicycles (EUCs) are gaining popularity as a unique form of personal transportation. Unlike traditional unicycles, these devices are powered by electric motors and are designed to be ridden standing up.
One of the latest models, the InMotion E20, promises to be the easiest-to-learn EUC on the market. With its dual-tire design and self-balancing technology, the E20 aims to eliminate the common challenges of learning and falling associated with traditional unicycles.
People riding electric unicycles (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
IS IT A 3-WHEELER OR A 2-WHEEL E-SCOOTER? HOW ABOUT BOTH
Is the InMotion E20 a beginner-friendly electric unicycle?
The InMotion E20 is an electric unicycle that deviates from traditional designs by featuring one wheel and two tires. This unique configuration allows for lateral self-balancing, which significantly reduces the common challenges associated with learning to ride a unicycle. As a result, users can easily mount, dismount and maneuver the E20, often learning to ride it in just three minutes.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
People riding electric unicycles (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
WHY THIS MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRIC SCOOTER MIGHT SOON BE COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Stability and user-friendliness of the electric unicycle
The E20 is designed to be stable and user-friendly, making it one of the simplest electric unicycles available. It employs a proprietary self-balancing algorithm that maintains both front and rear balance, which helps to minimize the risk of tipping over. Riders can lean forward to accelerate, remain steady while standing still and lean backward to brake.
People riding electric unicycles (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
A PEDAL-ELECTRIC HYBRID THAT’S HALF BIKE, HALF CAR
Performance and safety features of the electric unicycle
With a top speed of up to 12.4 mph, the E20 is capable of tackling various terrains, including urban roads and gentle slopes. Its long-range capability allows for travel of up to 18.6 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for short-distance commuting needs. The company says safety is a priority for InMotion, and the E20 is equipped with over 20 safety features, including automatic shutdown in the event of a fall.
A man carrying an electric unicycle (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The electric unicycle’s smart features and connectivity
The unicycle also includes a high-quality Bluetooth speaker, allowing users to connect their smartphones and enjoy music while riding. Additionally, the E20 offers smart app connectivity, enabling riders to personalize features such as acceleration and braking response.
People riding electric unicycles (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The electric unicycle’s robust build and aesthetic appeal
Despite its beginner-friendly design, the E20 is still a robust machine. It weighs 30 pounds and accommodates riders up to 220 pounds. The unit features RGB ambient lighting for added visibility and aesthetic appeal, along with a headlight and a braking taillight for safety. The InMotion E20 is relatively affordable at $399.
A woman riding an electric unicycle (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Safety concerns about electric unicycles
Despite the advancements in this technology, the inherent instability of electric unicycles raises significant safety concerns. These devices are difficult to control, especially for beginners, and the risk of accidents is high.
The E20, for example, boasts a top speed of 12.4 mph, which might seem slow on paper but can feel quite fast for an inexperienced rider. The potential for accidents on sidewalks and roads is considerable, and the consequences can be severe.
A man carrying an electric unicycle (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Is public safety at risk because of electric unicycles?
Would you want to share a sidewalk with someone riding an electric unicycle? The answer for many would be a resounding “no.” These devices’ narrow design and high speeds make them a hazard for pedestrians. On the road, the situation could be even worse. Their small size and instability make them difficult for drivers to see and predict, increasing the risk of collisions.
A man riding an electric unicycle (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
A new trend with old problems
Electric unicycles might be the latest trend in personal transportation, but they bring with them many of the same issues that have plagued electric scooters. The potential for accidents, the difficulty in controlling the devices and the risk to public safety are all significant concerns. While the technology behind models like the InMotion E20 is impressive, it does little to mitigate the inherent dangers of these devices.
People riding electric unicycles at night (InMotion) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Electric unicycles represent an interesting evolution in personal transportation, but they also pose significant risks. Their instability and high speeds make them a potential hazard on sidewalks and roads. As this trend continues to grow, it is crucial for both users and the public to be aware of the dangers and take appropriate precautions to ensure that these devices do not become the next big menace on our streets.
What are your thoughts on the safety and usability of electric unicycles like the InMotion E20 compared to other personal electric vehicles? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23925966/acastro_STK045_01.jpg "Patreon memberships sold on iOS will soon face Apple’s 30 percent fee")
Patreon memberships sold on the iOS app will soon be subject to Apple’s 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. In a post on Monday, Patreon says Apple is forcing the platform to use the company’s in-app payment system starting in November or “risk being kicked out of the App Store.”
As part of the change, creators will need to switch to Patreon’s subscription billing method to keep earning money through the platform’s iOS app. That means Apple’s 30 percent commission will apply when a new membership is initially purchased, as well as each time it’s renewed. To help offset the costs of the new fee, Patreon will give creators the option to automatically increase their prices in the iOS app.
The fee will only apply to memberships purchased on Patreon’s iOS app starting November 4th, 2024. Existing subscriptions on Patreon won’t be affected by the change, nor will memberships sold on Patreon’s website or Android app. But with Patreon already having a set of platform fees, Apple’s commission will only result in creators getting less money for their work.
“Unless creators choose to absorb the Apple App Store Fee themselves, new transactions in the Patreon iOS app will be more expensive than the same purchase on the web because of Apple’s App Store Fee,” Patreon writes.
Up until this year, Patreon has been allowed to skirt Apple’s 30 percent commission by using alternative payment processors. In 2021, Patreon CEO Jack Conte said during an interview with Decoder that it doesn’t have “some special contract with Apple” and the company has had to “deal with the App Store policies and review process like anybody else.” He said Apple may have given Patreon a pass because “users don’t come to Patreon to discover creators and content.”
But last year, Patreon announced it would have to make the switch to Apple’s payment in-app system, with Apple’s 30 percent commission on digital goods going into effect at the beginning of 2024. Patreon said Apple would extend the fee to new memberships and subscriptions later in the year.
Security company ADT, which provides residential and commercial electronic security, fire protection and other alarm monitoring services, has been hacked. The threat actors obtained limited customer information, including email addresses, phone numbers and postal addresses. The company stated that it has no reason to believe the hackers compromised home security systems or sensitive information. However, this security breach raises serious questions about data security.
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A technician installing an outdoor security camera (ADT) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you need to know about the ADT hack
In an SEC filing dated Aug. 3, ADT confirmed that it suffered “a cybersecurity incident” during which hackers gained access to “certain databases containing ADT customer order information.” The company stated that despite taking swift action upon discovering the incident, the hackers managed to steal “limited customer information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses.”
The security company, which had 6 million customers as of June 2024, offers its products throughout the United States. ADT didn’t specify the number of customers affected by the hack, and the wording in the SEC filing portrays the incident as a very minor one. This is a trend we’ve seen, where companies first downplay the incident and later reveal the exact damage caused.
For example, insurance giant Prudential initially reported that only 36,545 users were affected, but it later revised the breach notice to state that 2.5 million were affected by the February incident.
ADT security system (ADT) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS
Is your home security system compromised?
ADT clarified in its SEC filing that it doesn’t believe that customers’ home security systems or other information, such as credit card data or banking information, have been affected. However, the company did not reveal how it reached that conclusion. The disclosure follows a seller on a cybercrime forum claiming that they had obtained more than 30,000 stolen ADT customer records.
We contacted ADT for comment on this article, and a company spokesperson provided the following statement.
“ADT has determined that an unauthorized individual(s) gained access to certain ADT customer information. The company took immediate action; implemented our cybersecurity protocols, increased our alert levels, and began a forensic review of our systems. We can confirm that none of our customers’ home security systems were compromised and no personally sensitive information credit card data, or banking information was accessed.
“Our customers’ privacy and security is our utmost priority, and we have taken several steps to help keep their information safe, including immediately activating rigorous cybersecurity protocols.
“A dedicated support team is standing by at (866) 437-9016 to assist customers and answer any questions.”
Outdoor security camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
WORLD’S LARGEST STOLEN PASSWORD DATABASE UPLOADED TO CRIMINAL FORUM
4 ways to protect yourself and your home in the wake of the ADT hack
The ADT hack is concerning, and if you’re a customer, below are some steps you should consider taking to protect your privacy and security.
1) Opt for a reliable home security system: While ADT is one of the largest home security companies in the U.S., the recent breach of customer information highlights potential vulnerabilities despite the company’s assurance that home security systems were not compromised. There are many other options on the market that you can consider, whether you like a professionally installed system or a do-it-yourself one. For reference, you can check out my guide on the best home security systems, where I’ve listed four of my favorite options. You might also want to find out if your home insurance offers a discount for installing robust security protection.
2) Invest in removal services: The ADT hack exposed a limited amount of customer information, including postal addresses, email addresses and phone numbers, which can be misused by hackers. ADT confirmed that no credit card or banking information was compromised, but the exposed data could still be used for phishing or other malicious activities. You can invest in a removal service to get this data removed from the web. While no service can promise to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is beneficial if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites over a longer period. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
3) Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts.
4) Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be vigilant about emails, phone calls or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive details unless you can verify the legitimacy of the request.
The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
PHARMA GIANT’S DATA BREACH EXPOSES PATIENTS’ SENSITIVE INFORMATION
Kurt’s key takeaway
Even though ADT says your home security systems are safe, the fact that hackers got their hands on personal info like emails and addresses is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that even companies we trust to protect our homes can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As we wait for more details, it’s important to keep an eye on how ADT handles the situation and stay alert. In today’s connected world, trusting our security providers is crucial, but it’s clear that we need to stay cautious, too.
How do you feel about the security of your personal information with companies like ADT after learning about this breach? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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