Climate change again, MIT plans, exoskeleton, WikiLeaks

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The need to reduce carbon emissions on account of the atmospheric greenhouse effect has recently been queried, but observations of effects on the oceans confirm its continuing importance. A means of viewing new buildings in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the site of origin of much of cybernetics, is indicated, as is also a remarkable development of an advanced prosthetic device. Sources of information about the recent WikiLeaks or “Cablegate” events are reviewed.

Findings

Effects of acidification on ocean biota are serious. New buildings on the MIT campus are not following the example of the bizarre Stata Center. The robotic exoskeleton is a valuable development made under unusual conditions. No attempt is made to judge ethics or long‐term effects of WikiLeaks activity but it is shown to be wide ranging and to be defended eloquently by its main operative.

Practical implications

The need to reduce carbon emissions is confirmed by studies of the oceans, probably among other factors. The exoskeleton development is a valuable addition to prosthetic technology as well as an example of what can be done with limited resources.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Citation

Andrew, A.M. (2011), "Climate change again, MIT plans, exoskeleton, WikiLeaks", Kybernetes, Vol. 40 No. 7/8, pp. 1207-1209. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684921111160430