The Download: what Trump’s tariffs mean for climate tech, and hacking AI agents
Apr 04, 2025 - technologyreview.com
The newsletter edition highlights several pressing issues in the technology and geopolitical landscape. It discusses the potential negative impact of President Trump's tariffs on the US cleantech sector, which could hinder efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Additionally, it warns of the emerging threat of AI agents being used for cyberattacks, as their capabilities for complex tasks could be exploited by cybercriminals. The newsletter also touches on various global events, such as the EU's potential financial penalties against X, Google's involvement in US-Mexico border surveillance, and the challenges posed by Myanmar's internet shutdown on aid efforts.
Other notable topics include the gender pay gap in online influencing, the potential for moon dust to aid in solar panel production on the moon, and the communication similarities between bonobos and humans. The newsletter concludes with a "big story" on the growing problem of herbicide-resistant weeds in agriculture, likening it to antibiotic resistance and emphasizing the need for diverse weed control practices. The edition also offers lighter content, such as cultural recommendations and comforting distractions.
Key takeaways:
Trump's tariffs could significantly impact the US cleantech sector, potentially hindering efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
AI agents, while useful, pose a potential threat as tools for cyberattacks due to their sophisticated abilities.
The EU is considering imposing financial penalties on X, despite potential backlash from Elon Musk.
Weeds are increasingly becoming resistant to herbicides, posing a significant threat to agricultural yields and farmer livelihoods.
