Reflections on 2022 | E40

The Idea Roastery

Thanks to all our valuable listeners who tune in on a regular basis! In this episode we cover some of the interesting things that happened in 2022 and what the future may hold for next year. We cover topics like energy security in South Africa and the world, AI and it's affects on the internet & the commoditization of art via NFTs, the economic down-turn and if there are any upsides to look out for in the new year.

This is our last episode for 2022 but don't fear - we'll be back at it in 2023 with more curious content. If you like what we're doing here please subscribe to get updates as soon as we release new episodes.

Outline

(0:00) Getting started and warming up! (01:45) Talking about the changes in the monachy (3:15) We get started with the actual podcast! (03:45) The growth of AI in the last few months and how it's probably a powerful tool, could it replace "ground breaking" writing though? ChatGPT? Stable Diffusion and other interesting developments around AI. (8:40) ChatGPT3 as a disruption for Google, Stack Overflow and others. (10:25) The crash in NFT & crypto hype, how royalty systems are still being worked out. Why artists don't necessarily like NFTs and how the down-turn could be a net positive. (14:25) The great chess cheating scandal and how computers are allowing for more advanced styles of play. (17:30) The huge economic downturn in the tech industry and most places, layoffs and loads of distress in the geo-political sense. Is there an upside in more discipline. (21:20) The proliferation of remote work and how it could contribute to economic growth in South Africa. How the move could be a great thing for tourism. (24:50) Something interesting about Iceland - the country. How re-forestation could change the landscape of this volcanic island (28:00) How the problems with Eskom and load-shedding could get much worse? Could diversification of energy could be the new future of South African energy? (33:00) The problems with local solar and how to finance it and find consensus to build energy independence. The innovation that's needed to make a change. (39:00) Negativity bias without thinking about how far we've come and the misplaced assumption of stability. (42:00) A footnote on adaptability to change and the upper atmosphere project to prevent climate change. (44:05) Patagonia donation to environmental protection and maybe it'll get worse. How to make small steps towards bigger changes. The ocean cleanup project. (48:30) Personal plans for the new year from both Herman & Jason and what to do next year with the podcast.