Rural data centers in the US are key in the global race for artificial intelligence, driven by federal and state policies. Rural communities can benefit without losing their identity, although there is concern about investment in infrastructure to support large tech companies.
The European Commission proposed the Horizon Europe programme for 2028-2034, highlighting the need to strengthen EU research and innovation. It aims to overcome the fragmentation and slowness of the current system with two new councils: one for Competitiveness and Security, and another for Global Societal Challenges. These new structures aim to strengthen dual research, industrial sovereignty, defence and economic resilience, as well as address global issues such as climate, health and biodiversity. These councils would support governance, rapid budget reallocation and avoid conflicts of interest. The proposal is considered essential for Europe’s technological relevance, security and global leadership.
Europe is experiencing a green technological rebirth, seeking opportunities and avoiding dependence on China. China, with its ambition to become an electric powerhouse, serves as an example and warning for the EU. The EU has solid capabilities in clean technologies and potential to lead in clean energy in the short term.
The EU must implement rules against deforestation to protect coffee and chocolate. The European Commission proposed postponing the regulation by 12 months due to technical issues, but this will ban imports from deforested lands after December 31, 2020. A risk-free category for deforestation-free products is being debated. A second postponement could harm forests, as the EU consumes 15% of global deforestation.
Morris, Minnesota, is a rural town pioneering environmental sustainability, moving away from partisan divisions, through the Morris Model, collaboration between the University of Minnesota Morris, the city, county, and school district has allowed investment in clean energy and conservation practices, improving the town’s economic viability and creating new opportunities for generating lasting community wealth, initiated by economic necessity.
