CRISPR AND GENETIC DIVERSITY
A significant breakthrough in the protection of endangered species has emerged from genetics. Scientists have successfully used advanced gene-editing technology to improve the genetic diversity of species on the brink of extinction. This development, hailed as a game-changer in conservation, involves the use of CRISPR technology to introduce beneficial ge netic traits into endangered populations. By enhancing resilience against diseases and environmental stressors, this method offers new hope for species facing rapid population decline.
One major success of this initiative is in boosting the genetic diversity of the north ern white rhino, a species that has dwindled to just two known individuals in the wild. Scientists have used CRISPR to insert genes from closely related species into the genome of embryos created in the lab, with the hope of breeding a new generation of healthier rhinos. This technique, though controversial, could potentially be applied to many other species suffering from genetic bottlenecks due to habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching.
Conservationists are cautiously optimistic about this breakthrough, emphasizing that while gene-editing is not a silver bullet, it provides a powerful tool in the fight to save species from extinction. The next steps involve scaling these efforts and ensuring ethical practices in the use of this technology.
Source: The Guardian, September 2024, “Genetic Break through Could Save Endangered Species from Extinction”
DRONES AGAINST MIGRANTS
In recent warnings, the United Nations expressed concern over the growing use of drones, automated surveillance systems, and other high-tech equipment to pre vent migrants from crossing international borders. These advanced technologies are increasingly deployed in regions like the Mediterranean, the U.S.-Mexico border, and parts of Europe. While nations argue that these tools enhance border security and save lives by preventing dangerous crossings, critics say they create a “tech wall” that forces migrants into more perilous routes, endangering lives rather than protecting them. The UN has called for more humane approaches, urging governments to focus on addressing the root causes of migration, such as conflict and poverty, rather than using forceful deterrence. Experts worry that reliance on drones and sensors only heightens the risks mi grants face, with reports indicating that many are forced into increasingly dangerous journeys, leading to rising fatalities. There is also concern that these technologies violate migrants’ basic human rights, infringing on their right to seek asylum. The UN stresses the importance of ensuring that border policies respect human dignity and international law, advocating for greater cooperation between nations to create safer pathways for migration.
Source: UN warns of drones and tech deterring migrants at borders, Al Jazeera, September 2024
DISINFORMATION DILEMMA
This September, at the Summit of the Future, a significant UN conference, member countries are adopting a Global Digital Compact. This compact comes with important warnings about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) being misused to deepen divides between nations, increase in security, infringe on human rights, and exacerbate in equality.
The goal of the Compact is to rebuild trust in the Internet. It aims to give people more control over how their data is used and to hold ac countable those spreading discriminatory or misleading content.
This initiative marks the UN’s latest effort toward effective international AI regulation. A major milestone was reached in November 2021 when the 193 member states of UNESCO adopted the first global agreement focused on human-centered artificial intelligence. This Recommendation on the Ethics of AI serves as a guideline for governments to create laws and strategies that protect human rights and freedoms in the age of technology.
Fast forward two years, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has gathered some of the brightest minds in technology from both public and private sectors. His Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, comprising 38 members, has concluded that AI “cries out for governance.” Their report emphasizes the need for governance not only to tackle challenges and risks but also to harness AI’s poten tial in ways that benefit every one.
These discussions have contributed to the develop ment of the Global Digital Compact, which outlines a series of commitments and actions. A key focus is ad dressing the “digital divide,” as 2.6 billion people still lack access to the Internet, missing out on the opportunities it provides. The Compact advocates for getting all schools and hospitals online, building on initiatives like the UN backed Giga Initiative, along with training for digital literacy skills.
Looking ahead, an Inter national Scientific Panel on AI will be established, along with an Annual Global Dialogue on AI Governance. By 2030, the hope is to have global AI standards in place that benefit everyone.
Source: United Nations News. https://news.un.org/en/ story/2024/09/1154336
