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Flawed Economic Models Mean Climate Crisis Could Crash Global Economy, Experts Warn. AI-Generated.
As the world grapples with increasingly severe climate events, experts are raising alarms about the long-term implications of the climate crisis on the global economy. A growing body of research suggests that current economic models—rooted in concepts of infinite growth, consumerism, and exploitation of finite resources—are dangerously inadequate for addressing the impacts of climate change. These models, experts warn, could very well lead to economic collapse if the global community fails to radically rethink its approach to growth, development, and environmental responsibility. The idea that economic growth can continue unabated, regardless of environmental limits, has been the guiding principle for policymakers and financial systems for decades. But, as climate-related disasters worsen and ecosystems teeter on the brink of collapse, the traditional economic paradigms are beginning to show cracks. According to a group of leading economists, the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but an existential economic one, with the potential to cause widespread disruption and even a systemic collapse of the global economy. The Flaws of Current Economic Models At the heart of this concern lies the unsustainable nature of economic models that prioritize continuous growth at all costs. Most global economies, particularly in developed nations, are built on the assumption that resources—whether fossil fuels, land, or raw materials—are plentiful and that consumption can keep rising indefinitely. This assumption is fundamentally flawed, as it overlooks the fact that the Earth’s resources are finite and that the degradation of these resources, caused by unchecked exploitation, will inevitably create severe economic and social consequences. The economic models that dominate global finance also tend to disregard the long-term impacts of environmental degradation, focusing instead on short-term profits and GDP growth. This has resulted in policies that subsidize industries responsible for massive carbon emissions, such as fossil fuels, agriculture, and manufacturing, while undermining efforts to transition to a more sustainable economy. Furthermore, these models ignore the reality of climate risks—natural disasters, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels—which are already disrupting production, trade, and infrastructure in many parts of the world. In an interview with The Guardian, Dr. Elizabeth Gannon, a professor of environmental economics, pointed out, “We are building economic systems based on the assumption that we can continue consuming the planet’s resources indefinitely. But climate change is making it clear that this is not only unsustainable—it’s catastrophic.” How Climate Change Will Impact the Global Economy The economic impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe, from supply chain disruptions to increased insurance premiums and infrastructure damage. Economists predict that the effects will only intensify, with some arguing that climate change could trigger a new global recession or even an economic collapse. One of the most immediate threats is the disruption of global supply chains, particularly in industries that rely on agricultural production and natural resources. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are already wreaking havoc on crop yields, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. This is likely to lead to food shortages, which will further increase prices and contribute to global inflation. In addition to agricultural disruptions, rising sea levels and stronger storms threaten coastal cities, where many of the world’s economic hubs are located. In the United States alone, cities like Miami, New York, and New Orleans are experiencing the effects of rising sea levels, while European cities like Venice and Rotterdam are also at risk of flooding. This type of infrastructure damage not only disrupts local economies but also has broader ramifications for global trade, as many ports and shipping routes are located along coastlines. The economic risks of climate change are not limited to physical damage. Financial markets are increasingly recognizing the long-term risks of climate-related disasters, and investors are beginning to pull out of industries that are seen as vulnerable to climate change. The fossil fuel industry, in particular, is facing growing divestment, with major investors shifting their portfolios to more sustainable assets. As a result, oil, gas, and coal companies are facing financial instability, and entire sectors of the global economy are at risk of collapsing or being dramatically transformed. Reimagining Economic Models for Sustainability Given the urgency of the situation, many economists and environmentalists are calling for a complete overhaul of current economic models. One prominent proposal is the idea of degrowth, which suggests that economies should intentionally scale back production and consumption in order to reduce environmental impacts and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Advocates of degrowth argue that the obsession with endless GDP growth has led to a crisis of overconsumption, resource depletion, and ecological collapse. Other proposals focus on the concept of a circular economy, which seeks to eliminate waste and promote the reuse and recycling of resources. In this model, products are designed with sustainability in mind, and industries work to create closed-loop systems where materials are reused instead of disposed of. A circular economy would reduce reliance on raw materials and minimize the environmental footprint of manufacturing and production. At the policy level, governments would need to implement robust regulations to curb carbon emissions, incentivize renewable energy adoption, and invest in green infrastructure. Carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, would encourage businesses to internalize the environmental costs of their operations and shift toward more sustainable practices. The transition to a low-carbon economy would also require large-scale investments in clean energy technologies, public transportation, and sustainable agriculture. In her recent speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of transforming economic models to prevent climate catastrophe: “The climate crisis is a financial crisis. The time to change our economic systems is now, before it’s too late.” Conclusion: A Path Forward The climate crisis presents a clear and present danger not only to the environment but to the global economy itself. As climate-related disasters intensify, experts warn that the current economic models, which are based on unsustainable growth and resource depletion, could crash the global economy. The time has come for radical reform—one that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and long-term resilience over short-term profits. While the path to a sustainable economy will not be easy, the alternative—economic collapse, widespread poverty, and environmental ruin—is far worse. By embracing new economic models and shifting our priorities, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and build a future that works for both people and the planet.
By Fiaz Ahmed less than a minute ago in Longevity
Google Set to Double AI Spending to $185 Billion After Strong Earnings. AI-Generated.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is preparing to dramatically expand its investment in artificial intelligence, announcing plans to nearly double its annual spending on AI infrastructure and research to an estimated $185 billion following a quarter of stronger-than-expected earnings. The move signals one of the most aggressive commitments yet by a major technology firm to dominate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The decision comes after Alphabet reported robust growth in advertising revenue and cloud services, reassuring investors that its core businesses remain resilient despite economic uncertainty and intense competition from rivals such as Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI-backed platforms. A Strategic Pivot Toward AI Executives described the spending increase as a long-term strategic bet rather than a short-term response to market pressure. Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said AI is now “central to every product and service Google offers,” from search and advertising to cloud computing and consumer devices. “Artificial intelligence is redefining how people interact with information,” Pichai said during an earnings call. “Our responsibility is to lead that transformation responsibly and at scale.” The planned investment will focus primarily on data centers, advanced computing chips, and the expansion of Google’s proprietary AI models, including Gemini. Analysts believe this level of spending reflects the enormous computational power required to train next-generation systems capable of reasoning, image generation, and advanced language processing. Financial Strength Enables Expansion Alphabet’s latest earnings report showed revenue growth driven by a rebound in digital advertising and continued expansion of Google Cloud. Cloud revenue rose sharply, with AI-powered services becoming a key selling point for enterprise customers seeking automation and analytics tools. Operating profits also exceeded expectations, providing the company with the financial flexibility to fund massive capital projects without sacrificing shareholder returns. Alphabet has already announced plans for stock buybacks while maintaining its aggressive investment schedule. “This is the luxury of being Google,” said one technology analyst at a U.S.-based investment firm. “They can spend on AI at a scale few companies in the world can match, and they can afford to wait for the payoff.” Competition Intensifies Google’s move comes as competition in artificial intelligence grows fiercer. Microsoft has poured tens of billions into OpenAI and integrated its models into Office software, cloud services, and search. Amazon is expanding its own AI offerings through its cloud division, while Meta is investing heavily in open-source models and immersive technologies. The fear of losing relevance in search — Google’s most profitable business — has accelerated its AI transformation. Chat-based assistants and generative tools threaten to reshape how users find information online, potentially undermining traditional search advertising models. In response, Google has rolled out AI-powered search summaries and creative tools for advertisers, hoping to maintain its dominance while adapting to new user behaviors. Infrastructure and Energy Challenges Such massive spending raises practical challenges. Building and operating data centers requires enormous amounts of electricity and water for cooling, placing pressure on energy grids and environmental commitments. Alphabet has pledged to make its operations carbon-free by 2030, a goal that may be tested by its AI expansion. To address this, Google is investing in renewable energy partnerships and more efficient chip designs. Its custom-built Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) are intended to reduce energy consumption while delivering higher performance for AI workloads. Still, critics warn that the environmental footprint of AI could become a major political and regulatory issue as governments scrutinize big tech’s role in climate change and infrastructure usage. Workforce and Research Impact Internally, the spending surge is expected to reshape Google’s workforce. Engineers, data scientists, and product designers will increasingly focus on AI integration across the company’s services. At the same time, some traditional roles may be automated or phased out as AI tools handle tasks such as customer support, content moderation, and coding assistance. Google’s research division, DeepMind, is set to receive a significant share of the funding. The unit has already produced breakthroughs in protein folding and medical research, and executives see future applications in healthcare, climate science, and education. “We are not just building tools for profit,” said one senior researcher. “We’re trying to solve problems that were impossible before.” Investor Reaction Markets initially reacted positively to the earnings report and the ambitious AI strategy, viewing it as a sign of confidence rather than recklessness. Alphabet’s stock rose following the announcement, with investors encouraged by management’s clear vision for long-term growth. However, some analysts cautioned that returns on AI investments remain uncertain. While demand for generative AI services is growing, monetization models are still evolving. Advertising, subscriptions, and enterprise contracts must generate enough revenue to justify the unprecedented spending levels. “There is no guarantee that every dollar spent on AI will translate into profit,” said a senior financial strategist. “But not investing would be even riskier.” Regulatory and Ethical Questions As Google expands its AI capabilities, it also faces increasing scrutiny from regulators concerned about privacy, misinformation, and market dominance. Governments in Europe and the United States are developing frameworks to regulate AI development, which could shape how the company deploys its new technologies. Google has pledged to follow ethical guidelines and ensure transparency in how its systems are trained and used. Yet critics argue that the pace of innovation often outstrips oversight. Looking Ahead With plans to spend nearly $185 billion, Google is making a clear statement: artificial intelligence is not a side project but the future of the company. The next few years will determine whether this massive investment strengthens its leadership or exposes it to new risks. For now, strong earnings have given Alphabet the confidence to accelerate its vision. As AI becomes woven into everyday life, Google’s gamble may shape not only its own future but the direction of the global technology industry.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 3 hours ago in Longevity
Jess Cartner-Morley on Fashion: Lift Your Winter Look With a Pop of White. AI-Generated.
Winter wardrobes are traditionally built on a foundation of dark neutrals — black coats, grey knits, navy trousers and brown boots. Practical, dependable and flattering, these shades dominate cold-weather dressing for good reason. Yet every year, fashion offers a quiet rebellion against the gloom: the return of white as a winter statement. This season, a carefully chosen pop of white is emerging as the simplest way to refresh tired outfits and inject optimism into months otherwise defined by layers and darkness. White in winter has long been treated with suspicion. It is seen as impractical, unforgiving and dangerously close to summer territory. But designers and street-style tastemakers are reframing it as a power move: crisp, confident and surprisingly versatile. A flash of white — whether in footwear, knitwear or accessories — works like visual punctuation, lifting an outfit from safe to striking. The key is restraint. This is not about replacing your winter palette with head-to-toe ivory, but about introducing contrast. Think of white as light in a dim room. A white scarf against a charcoal coat, a pale jumper under a black blazer, or creamy trousers paired with a camel knit all create balance. The effect is fresh without being flashy. One of the strongest trends this season is white footwear. A pair of off-white trainers or ankle boots instantly modernises heavy winter layers. Against dark jeans or wool trousers, they feel deliberate rather than delicate. Fashion insiders are choosing chunky soles and textured leather that make white feel robust enough for winter streets. It is no longer about keeping shoes pristine; a little wear adds character and removes the fear factor. White knitwear is another quiet hero. A soft jumper or cardigan in milky tones brings warmth visually as well as physically. It pairs effortlessly with black, brown, grey and even denim, acting as a neutral rather than a statement. The appeal lies in its ability to frame the face, offering brightness during months when skin tones can look dulled by cold and fatigue. Accessories provide the easiest entry point for the white revival. Gloves, beanies, scarves and bags in pale shades work as accents rather than commitments. A white leather tote against a dark coat feels intentional and stylish, while a fluffy scarf adds both texture and contrast. These small details allow experimentation without the pressure of maintaining an entire light outfit. What makes this trend especially relevant now is its emotional undertone. Fashion often reflects mood, and after years of uncertainty and heaviness, there is a collective appetite for lightness. White suggests clarity, calm and renewal — a psychological counterweight to winter’s darkness. It offers a form of quiet rebellion against seasonal gloom. There is also a practical side to this shift. Modern fabrics make white more wearable than before. Machine-washable knits, stain-resistant coatings and thicker weaves mean that pale clothing no longer requires museum-level care. Designers are producing winter whites in wool blends and structured tailoring rather than flimsy summer cottons, grounding the colour firmly in cold-weather reality. Styling white successfully in winter depends on texture. Mixing fabrics keeps pale shades from looking flat or clinical. A white wool coat with leather boots, or a cream jumper layered under a tweed jacket, adds depth. Contrast is not just about colour but about material. Rough with smooth, soft with structured — these combinations create visual interest and prevent white from feeling too precious. There is also something quietly powerful about wearing white when everyone else defaults to black. It signals confidence and a willingness to stand out without shouting. The look is neither trend-driven nor theatrical; it is understated and modern. This is not the icy glamour of red-carpet couture but everyday elegance. Importantly, winter white is democratic. It works across age groups and personal styles. Minimalists can use it to sharpen silhouettes, while maximalists can use it to break up busy layers. Whether your wardrobe leans classic, sporty or experimental, white slips in easily. The trick is to treat it as punctuation, not prose. One or two pieces are enough. A white jumper under a dark coat. A pale boot with black jeans. A scarf that frames the face. These choices require little effort but produce visible change. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, clothing becomes about comfort and survival. But fashion still has the power to lift mood. A pop of white is not just a styling decision; it is an emotional one. It says winter can be bright, that heaviness can be balanced, and that even the darkest months can carry moments of light. In a season built on layers and shadows, white becomes the spark — small, deliberate and quietly transformative.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 5 hours ago in Longevity
Is Coffee Good or Bad for Your Brain? Science Explains. AI-Generated.
Introduction Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee. Some say coffee makes them smarter, faster, and more focused. Others believe coffee damages the brain and causes anxiety and poor sleep. So what is the truth?
By Adil Ali Khanabout 5 hours ago in Longevity
What Does “Brain Tiredness” Actually Mean?. AI-Generated.
Introduction You go to bed on time. You sleep for eight hours or more. Yet when you wake up, your brain feels slow, heavy, and exhausted. Concentrating feels hard. Simple tasks feel overwhelming. This confusing feeling makes many people wonder: If I slept enough, why does my brain still feel tired?
By Adil Ali Khanabout 5 hours ago in Longevity
