The Download: gas and oil’s role in climate tech, and using AI to decipher ancient Latin
1 min read
Summary
The role that oil and gas companies should play in the climate tech industry is a dubious one.
That’s according to an article in MIT Technology Review’s The Spark newsletter, which asks whether these companies can really be part of the climate change solution, given their vested interests in fossil fuels.
It notes that such businesses are increasingly partnering with climate tech startups, such as drilling firm Nabors Industries’ link-up with geothermal startup Quaise.
However, it quotes environmentalist and author Joe Romm as saying: “Power companies love to PR themselves as doing [clean energy] R&D, because it lets them appear progressive and green … while they keep doing what they were doing.”
The piece also examines Google DeepMind’s new AI software, Aeneas, which can help historians understand ancient Latin inscriptions.