This week marked the 50th anniversary of Earth
Day. Created by environmentalist Denis Hayes in 1970 (go math ?) the celebration reaches its
half a century of life amidst the greatest global crisis our world has seen in
a while.
Hayes sat down with
Thomson Reuters to reflect on the event’s trajectory and discuss how much we’ve
done vs. how much is left to do.
Among his main criticisms — the system’s failure to leverage technological innovations to produce cheaper, more efficient and cleaner energy.
He is hopeful that being stuck at home makes us more aware of what’s at stake should we not tackle climate change head-on and collectively.
It is precisely this message of unity that the European Space Agency wanted to emphasize, reminding us of the late Stephen Hawkins’ last message to humankind.
“How will we feed an ever-growing population, provide clean water, generate renewable energy, prevent and cure disease and slow down global climate change?
I hope that science and technology will provide the answers to these questions, but it will take people, human beings with knowledge and understanding to implement the solution.”
The message was broadcasted to all planet Earth, with accompanying music by Greek composer Vangelis.
It’s a mixed bag for IR35
The UK’s controversial IR35 regulation,
which was set to enter into force earlier this month, was delayed to April 2021
due to the advance of COVID-19. The decision was welcomed with relief by
workers and the enterprise world alike.
The legislation could have endangered
independent work by asking companies to pay higher taxes for contractors who
were not deemed independent enough.
But both industry and legislators at the House of Lords Finance Bill Committee believe the law needs to be further postponed, as an extra year might not be enough time. Some go beyond that, arguing for a bill revision rather than a delay.
However, the Treasury announced yesterday it had no intention at this moment of changing its plans.
News from the frontlines
One more week, we look at the various tech
initiatives being launched around the world to help fight the novel
coronavirus.
Cisco has created two new
programs to help healthcare organisations get the networking equipment they
need. The platforms match companies looking to donate unused wireless equipment
with healthcare facilities that need it.
Google has opened its
Healthcare API in a move to facilitate the sharing of medical data and promote
a coordinated response to the virus.
Facebook is launching a nation-wide symptom survey in the UK. The survey, which had already been rolled out in the U.S., will provide data to predict hospital admissions in specific areas.
Finally, the innovation arm of the UK’s National Health Service has announced a £500,000 funding competition for innovators and startups to come up with digital tools to help against the virus outbreak.
