A techno-optimist and an anthropologist walk into a bar...

Well, maybe they have a cup of tea at Bletchley Park this week...

I was excited to be invited to comment on this week's AI Summit in the UK .

You can see the segment here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZNQmcWmTRI

I was also really grateful to my fellow panellists (and our supporting artist) at this year's inaugural SXSW Sydney. We talked about Tomorrow's Metaverse, all about how tech might look in 10 years' time surrounded by a dystopian planet going through climate and economic collapse. Love to the team: Mark Pesce Nathan Anderson Alyse Sue and Charlie Hunter , please follow their works.

Here's a snippet for you....

At 6 o'clock, the morn doth greet fair Sydney's shores,

Where carbon's weight, years hence, we've lessened, to be sure.

Yet global currents and hydrocarbon's sway,

Doth cast their shadows on this new-born day.

The climate's visage, altered, changed indeed,

And we, as well, transformed by Nature's need.

The weather's forecast warns of searing heat,

A cool 42 degrees, seek cooler retreat.

Take refuge in the underground's embrace,

In cooling suits, find solace and safe space.

Stay home, if possible, 'gainst blazing sun,

For blackouts loom where grids have yet to shun.

Micro-fusion reactors, power anew,

From the Federal department, one may pursue.

Emergency energy, our saving grace,

In these hot hours, do find your proper place.

Yet, in the midst of challenges we face,

Bright spots of hope illuminate our space.

The Internet of Bodies, steadfast and strong,

No interruption for a month, 'tis long.

The global population, steadied now at last,

A stabilizing force, the die is cast.

And just last week, a miracle performed,

A synthetic kidney, for a mother warmed.

The moon base, too, in green alert does glow,

In this shifting world, a steady, hopeful show.

Alex, with reason, stirs from slumber's deep,

In syntheverse's embrace, their rest they'll keep.

As the alarms, with gentle sound, do chime,

Awakening consciousness, marking the time.

In this new day, with hope and challenges fraught,

We face the future, with courage we have sought.

This month I have mostly been imbibing Qantas business lounge hospitality, travel is certainly back with a bang... the pandemic a more distant memory each day.

Today I head off to the Global Visioneering for XPrize where we get the next suite of grand challenges ready. It's always a stimulating time. I am even having a day of business catch ups on Monday in West Hollywood if anyone is around.

More on that trip and the people and ideas that were abundant in my next monthly newsletter.

Keep safe, stay well, and eyes forward: the future is here!

Cheers

Catherine