Microsoft recently announced a new $50 million commitment to fight climate change with the power of artificial intelligence. They'll put these funds to work in its "A.I. for Earth" program, which uses artificial intelligence technology to drive sustainability around the globe. Lucas Joppa, Chief Environmental Scientist at Microsoft, joined us from Paris, France to discuss how Microsoft will put the new funds to work.
Microsoft is using the funds to increase seed grants provided to those working on climate and environmental issues. Joppa says the grants will give these groups access to the latest cloud and A.I. technology. The focus of Microsoft's "A.I. for Earth"program is to improve efficient generation and reduce energy consumption. The availability of new tech will help to accomplish these goals.
One of the key focuses for Microsoft is the future of water. In the next 20 years, demand for fresh water is predicted to outpace supply. The company is using A.I. to clean up and make more efficient use of our oceans in order to help conserve and protect the resource.
Electric vehicle companies took a tumble Monday after Senator Joe Manchin killed Biden's 'Build Back Better' plan. Shares of Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian all fell rapidly as the plan had included significant incentives for the growing EV sector. Rich Steinberg, former executive at Nissan, BMW and Electrify America joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss.
As the popularity of Bitcoin and other digital tokens grew this year, more financial institutions and payment apps added ways for customers to trade or make payments using cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, companies like theater chain AMC started accepting major cryptocurrencies for tickets and concessions, and retailers are rumored to be entering the space soon. What does this mean for cryptocurrency's wider adoption — and will 2022 be the year that the average consumer is exposed to digital coin payments on a regular basis? João Almeida, Co-Founder and CTO of OpenNode joins Cheddar News' Crypto Craze: The Year of the Token to discuss.
Bitcoin had a successful 2021: reaching a new high of nearly $70,000, a $1 trillion market cap, and becoming legal tender in El Salvador. Investors also got the chance to invest in three Bitcoin futures-backed ETFs once they were approved. These developments set up the world's best-known digital coin for more success in 2022, but could altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin, and others move into the top spot or impact Bitcoin's value? Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, joins Cheddar's Crypto Craze: The Year of the Token to discuss his 2022 outlook for Bitcoin, whether we could see an ETF backed by a physical coin, and more.
Coming off a 2021 campaign where the prices of Bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies reached unpreceded levels, Bitwise Asset Management CIO Matt Hougan and OpenNode Co-Founder & CTO João Almeida join Cheddar News' Crypto Craze: The Year of the Token to discuss the ways the crypto market can soar even higher in 2022.
Howard Yu, LEGO professor of management and innovation at IMD Business School and author of "Leap: How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied," joined Cheddar to discuss the mania surrounding the concept of the metaverse. He particularly noted how companies in the retailing sector like Nike are leveraging it. "I think metaverse really opens up a window for brands to think about how can they, ongoing-wise, engage with the consumer, engage with the target audience, so their brand continues to stay refreshed in the changing environment," Yu said.
