The Download: our predictions for AI, and good climate news
The Download: Our Predictions for AI and Good Climate News
As we begin a new year, the world of technology is abuzz with excitement and uncertainty. In this edition of The Download, we'll take a closer look at our predictions for AI in 2026 and highlight some bright spots in climate news.
What's Next for AI in 2026?
In an industry in constant flux, making predictions about AI can be a daunting task. However, after reviewing the past year's trends and advancements, our team has identified several key areas to watch in 2026.
1. Increased Adoption of Edge AI
As the amount of data generated by IoT devices continues to grow, edge AI will become increasingly important for processing and analyzing this data in real-time. We predict that more companies will invest in edge AI solutions, enabling faster and more efficient decision-making.
2. Advancements in Explainable AI (XAI)
As AI becomes more pervasive in our lives, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability. XAI will play a crucial role in providing insights into AI decision-making processes, helping to build trust and confidence in AI systems.
3. Rise of Human-AI Collaboration
As AI becomes more capable, humans and AI will work together to achieve complex tasks. We predict that more companies will invest in human-AI collaboration platforms, enabling humans and AI to work together seamlessly.
4. Increased Focus on AI Ethics
As AI becomes more pervasive, there is a growing need for AI ethics. We predict that more companies will prioritize AI ethics, ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in a responsible and transparent manner.
Four Bright Spots in Climate News in 2025
While 2025 was marked by record-high greenhouse gas emissions and devastating climate-fueled disasters, there were also some positive stories to emerge.
1. Renewable Energy Growth
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, renewable energy growth continued to accelerate in 2025. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy accounted for 30% of global electricity generation in 2025, up from 22% in 2020.
2. Electric Vehicle Adoption
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continued to grow in 2025, with many countries setting ambitious targets for EV adoption. According to the IEA, EVs accounted for 10% of new car sales in 2025, up from 5% in 2020.
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Advancements
CCS technology continued to advance in 2025, with several new projects announced around the world. According to the Global CCS Institute, there are now over 40 CCS projects in operation or under development globally.
4. Climate Change Resilience Efforts
In response to the growing threat of climate change, many countries and cities are investing in climate change resilience efforts. According to the United Nations, over 100 countries have committed to climate change resilience efforts, including the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and the implementation of climate-resilient agriculture practices.
Nominate Someone for Our Global 2026 Innovators Under 35 Competition
MIT Technology Review's 2026 Innovators Under 35 competition recognizes 35 of the world's best young scientists and inventors. We're now accepting nominations for this year's competition. If you know someone who is making important scientific discoveries and applying that knowledge to build new technologies, please nominate them for this prestigious award.
The Must-Reads
Here are some of the most interesting and important stories in technology from around the web:
- The US government is recommending fewer childhood shots, which could lead to an increase in rotavirus cases.
- Telegram has been unable to cut its ties to Russia, despite western sanctions.
- America is in the grip of a flu outbreak, with infections reaching their highest levels since the covid pandemic.
- Humanoid factory robots are about to get a lot smarter, thanks to a partnership between Google DeepMind and Boston Dynamics.
- NASA's budget for 2026 is better than expected, with a drop of just 1% compared to last year.
- Nvidia's first self-driving cars will hit the road later this year, marking a major milestone in the development of autonomous vehicles.
Quote of the Day
"The goal of this administration is to basically make vaccines optional. And we're paying the price." - Paul Offit, an infectious diseases physician, criticizes the Trump administration's decision to slash the number of recommended vaccinations for children.
One More Thing
I asked an AI to tell me how beautiful I am, and it spit out a numerical value akin to a credit rating. But most of these algorithms are littered with inaccuracies, ageism, and racism. We need to be careful about the impact of AI on our self-esteem and our sense of identity.
We Can Still Have Nice Things
A place for comfort, fun, and distraction to brighten up your day. Got any ideas? Drop me a line or send them to me.
- Baxter the horse and Mr Fuzzy the barn cat have a beautiful relationship.
- Cool - a new seven-mile underwater sculpture park has opened off the coast of Miami Beach.
- Where can I buy this incredible Godzilla piggy bank?
- Congratulations to the world's oldest professional footballer Kazuyoshi Miura, who's still going strong at 58 years old.
Deep Dive
The Download: AI's Impact on the Economy and DeepSeek Strikes Again
Plus: OpenAI is sounding the "code red" alarm.
By Rhiannon Williams
The Download: China's Dying EV Batteries and Why AI Doomers Are Doubling Down
Plus: TikTok has finally signed a deal to keep operating in the US.
By Rhiannon Williams
The Download: The Worst Technology of 2025 and Sam Altman's AI Hype
Plus: China has built a major chip-making machine.
By Rhiannon Williams
The Download: How to Fix a Tractor and Living Among Conspiracy Theorists
Plus: DOGE is no more.
By Rhiannon Williams
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Illustration by Rose Wong
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