The Guardian's weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Jacqui Housden and Miles Herbert, covers AI extinction warnings, a female firefighting team in Indonesia, Naomi Klein's critique of 'end times fascists', a crisis in Australian schools, and the 25th anniversary of Kylie Minogue's iconic single.
AI experts dismiss extinction claims
Recent warnings from AI industry figures that there is a 10% chance humanity could be wiped out by the technology in the next decade have been met with skepticism. Prof Alan Woodward from the University of Surrey's centre for cybersecurity said: "The AIs would not decide to do it on their own. It's the humans that are responsible and the AI is a tool. That is what we need to control, not the AI."
Pedro Domingos, an emeritus professor of computer science at the University of Washington, argued for more research, not less. "What would be truly irresponsible is putting up barriers to it," he said.
Indonesia's all-female firefighting team battles patriarchy
In Indonesian Borneo, the first-ever all-female firefighting team, Power of Mama, comprises more than 140 women, some as young as 10. They receive rigorous training from firefighting to operating surveillance drones to protect rainforests and peatlands. "Because we are housewives, we are the ones that feel its effects most," one member noted.
Initially criticized by village men, the team now works hand in hand with local communities to protect residential properties and farmland.
Naomi Klein on end-times fascists
In their new book, Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor write: "The most powerful people in the world are preparing for the end of the world, an end they themselves are frenetically accelerating." They argue that 'end times fascists' are plotting their escape, indifferent to what's worth saving. They suggest human networks could provide a basis for a different kind of survivalism, telling stories "truthful and inspiring enough to help our depleted fellow humans fall back in love with our one and only home."
Australian students face abusers in classrooms
Peer-on-peer violence is rising in Australia, with school-age girls making up the majority of sexual assault victims. Many victims must return to school and share classrooms with perpetrators. One student who experienced assault at 14 said: "You go back to school the next day, and you just deal with it." Prof Michael Salter, a leading researcher, noted an "obvious contradiction, or even hypocrisy" if schools teach respect but cannot protect students.
Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out of My Head turns 25
Born in a garage studio with a Mac-generated drum loop, the minimalist dance-pop opus defined Kylie Minogue's career. Released after 9/11, it became a "hypnotic balm" for a world in turmoil. One notable quote: "I really do believe that [Osama] Bin Laden and Kylie represent the polar opposites of human nature." On its release day, Kylie beat Victoria Beckham's single, which charted at No 6.
