E107: How Desalination Could Create New Superpowers | Samo Burja

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the advancements in desalination technology, its current applications, and potential to address global water scarcity. They explore the technological and economic feasibility of large-scale desalination projects and their implications on geopolitics and environmental resilience.

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LINKS:

The Untapped Potential of Desalination: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-untapped-potential-of-desalination

1957, 1978, 2005 Chicken Sizes diagram: https://compote.slate.com/images/4e407854-6360-4172-a85e-d7b8c64fd365.jpg?width=1200

Growth, efficiency, and yield of commercial broilers from 1957, 1978, and 2005: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119385505

Live Players: Can China Power Its Rise?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOei7kZjuZU

Live Players: The Possibility of Human Extinction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEQEMpxLnGA&t=42s

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Desalination technology has advanced significantly, making it a viable solution for water scarcity.
• Many countries, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, rely heavily on desalination for their water supply.
• The cost of desalination is relatively low, making it accessible for moderately developed countries.
• Global hunger is more about distribution than food production; we produce enough food for everyone.
• Desalination could transform deserts into green landscapes, enhancing the livability of arid regions.
• Geopolitical implications of desalination include potential shifts in power dynamics and national branding.
• Innovative projects could lead to significant economic development in countries with large desert areas.
• Technological advancements can change the natural geography of the world, making previously uninhabitable areas livable.
• Future technologies, such as solar mirrors, could enhance living conditions in extreme climates.
• The importance of outdoor spaces and greenery for human well-being cannot be underestimated. Re-engineering urban environments can significantly enhance human well-being.
• Water wars are unnecessary; technology can provide water abundance.
• Geopolitical tensions often stem from resource management disputes.
• China's food security is bolstered by technological advancements in agriculture.
• Climate change poses challenges, but industrial civilization can adapt.
• Electric vehicles are crucial for China's national security strategy.
• Automated farming and construction technologies can revolutionize industries.
• Exceptional talent is rare and should be actively recruited.
• The U.S. must focus on manufacturing capabilities in the semiconductor race against China.
• Innovative immigration strategies could attract top global talent.